Electric Car Conversions - Kits

Posted in: Electric Car Conversions | September 20th, 2008 | No Comments »>

As I have been looking around doing my research on Electric Car Conversions, I have noticed a few companies who offer conversion kits. Since I am a beginner at this conversion business I can appreciate simplicity of that. when you purchase one of these kits you will get most if not all the components required for the conversion, sans car and batteries. That being said, what does one of these kits cost and what does it include? Well that depends upon what company you choose to purchase from as well as the type of kit you want.

There are two basic types of Electric car conversion kits available. They are DC kits and AC kits (there are a couple more but these are the most basic categories). My understanding is the DC kit is a much simpler job and is what a first time convertor will want to go with, not to mention there is a bit of a cost difference as well. However you do get what you pay for. AC kits tend to get much better mileage on a single charge as well as have more power to boot. Now, if you’re like me you might think the challenge of an AC kit plus the added range is what you want. However I am sure once I get into the conversion, I will wish I chose the former…

So back to the question, “what does a Electric Car Conversions kit include?” Here is an example from Electroauto.com. This is their deluxe universal kit includes the following:

* Motor, NetGain ImPulse 9
(Substitution Option: NetGain WarP 9
* Adaptor
* Contactor, Albright #SW200
* Controller, Curtis/PMC, #1221
(Substitution Option: Curtis/PMC #1231 Controller)
* Potbox, Curtis/PMC, #PB6
* Circuit Breaker, Heinemann
* Fusible Links
* 0 - 400 Amps Gauge
(Substitution Option: 0 - 500 Amps Gauge
* 6 - 16 Volt Gauge
* Choice Of:
o Pack Voltage Gauge (reads in actual volts)
o State-Of-Charge Gauge (reads 0-100%)
* Shunt
* Charger, Zivan NG3 110VAC input
* 2/0 Cable
* 5/16″ Hole Lugs
* 3/8″ Hole Lugs
* Belleville Precision Tension Washers
* 3/4″ Heat Shrink Tube
* Noalox Anti-Corrosion Compound
* Cable Crimper
* Cable Shears
* Battery Filler
* Temperature Correcting Hydrometer with temp probe
* Digital Multimeter
* Convert It Manual

This kit, according to their current price list (viewed 9/20/08) shows a price of $6,425.00. This kit does not include the battery rack or batteries. So you will need to fabricate and purchase those separately. You can also buy kits specifically designed for one type of car. Those types of kits will include all items, including batteries and battery racks. Because of this they cost a little more. For instance a kit specifically for a VW Rabbit will cost you $9,995.00 from Electroauto, but it will save you the time of having to fabricate.

For Comparison, a universal AC Electric Car Conversion Kit will run you (for a light vehicle - according to Electroauto.com, a light vehicle is anything up to 2,400 lbs original curb weight) $9,435.00 again without batteries and assorted accessories. This kit includes the following:
* Motor, Solectria AC24 with NEMA C-Face & 1 1/8″ Keyed Shaft
* Adaptor
* Control System, Solectria DMOC445
* Solectria Wiring Interface Kit
* CC Power DC/DC Converter
* 144V State-of-Charge Gauge
* -100 - 0 - 200 Amp Gauge
* Shunt
* Charger, Zivan NG3 110VAC Input with temp probe
* Cable
* Lugs
* Belleville Precision Tension Washers
* Heat Shrink Tube
* Noalox Anti-Corrosion Compound
* Cable Crimper
* Cable Shears
* Digital Multimeter

There are many more Electric Car Conversion kits than the two I have mentioned above. However these give an idea of the components required for Electric Car Conversions of either type. What you get when you purchase a kit is a little more peace of mind, knowing everything will work together. When you purchase all the components individually, you may save a little cash, but you may mistakenly get incompatible parts or other assorted issues. The benefit of a kit is, its all inclusive and you know the parts work together as well as only dealing with a single source. There is a lot to be said for that!

More to come as I explore Electric Car Conversions further.

Dan

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Return of the Electric Car

Posted in: History of Electric Cars | September 2nd, 2008 | 23 Comments »>

Peak Moment 52: Otmar Ebenhoech has worked with electric vehicles for decades, watching as popular commercial EVs were developed, then recalled when their legal mandate was overturned. He sees improved battery technologies as the catalyst to enable widespread acceptance of EV’s. Peek under the hood and watch a test drive of his hot electric Porsche race car conversion (0-60 in less than 5 seconds!).[www.cafeelectric.com]