For those interested in EV Vehicles, here's something to be inspired by:


Electric cars are the next big thing. 3 phase AC controlers and motors combined with the light weight lithium ion batteries make these a great city car. As for long range, you will have to rely on a Hybrid. IMO, ion batteries will soon be taken over by Lithium Polymer

 

That's really interesting. We're on the cusp of a revolution here, watching technology develop. Solar Power needs to come up some more too, to better facilitate the charging process.
The Crossfire is a good choice for this based on the sports appeal and cost for the body.
Just curious Mario - have you considered building something?

 

Yes, but it wouldn't be on the Crossie platform.

The RC technology has demonstrated brushless AC motors combined with Li-Po batteries have the best power/weight ratio

 

Agreed - you'd need to find one with some serious engine problems to want to swap it out, but the platform would be great.
What's stopping you from making something happen? I've thought of it too, but lack the knowledge & facilities to do something. There's a fellow close by who converted an S10 a few years ago and called it Sparky. The rear bed of the truck made for an excellent battery storage area. His technology would be quite out of date now, but still he made it work.

 

Here's an example of what you can get for a compact car:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...ht_1038wt_1186


I would pick a front wheel drive, 5 speed with a blown engine. Those usually go for under $500. You can expect to spend around $5000 for the motor, speed controller with regenerative capacity, wiring, batteries and charger. Lithium cells currently cost about $1.25 per A/hr.

I have a 6600ma/hr RC Li-Po battery weighing 430g. It can deliver 6.6A for one full hour and weighs less than a pound just to give you an idea of what battery technology is at. I have also found that Li-Po batteries stay cool thruout it's charge and discharge cycle.

I would be interested in taking a look at your Neighbor's S10 on our next visit John

 

There are at least two companies making electric Miatas

 

I was just introduced to and rode an electric motorcycle. No clutch or transmission. Belt drive. 95 mph. 100 mile range.. NO noise... 3 hour charge. I will have one.. $10,000.

 

Wow... I like those numbers, Cool! Prices are still high but you will be the talk of the town when you start riding it! Do you have a link or pics to share?

 

Google ZERO motorcycles ..

 

Hey, don't go the cheap route, go ahead and plunk down $19,000 for the Brammo Empulse R.

But seriously, I read this blurb from the Brammo site :

I guess 'changes in elevation' mean going uphill / downhill, not living in Miami or Denver.
Can't imagine how elevation could effect battery/motor efficiency, other than a slight difference in wind resistance.

 

Nooooooooooooooooooo, don't tear into another XF! Oh the inhumanity!!! Please drop this before another XF is (gulp) converted into a treehuggers mode of transportation! Long live DINO-POWER!