To E or not to E?

[NewcastleFalcon]

Only one problem with the RX7/8 idea - I don't have one, but I do have an MX3!!

Yes I was hoping the RX8 conversion blog would address some of the issues behind an ev conversion and how they were solved. Shame it petered out. Haven't come across any MX3 conversions so you are probably pioneering there but you may well pick up something useful from looking for a successful MX5 conversion blog.

What is your initial research coming up with for sourcing batteries and at what sort of price? With your aimed for range I would expect them to be a very big ticket item.

REgards Neil

[mickthemaverick]

I havn't looked at pricing yet because I have spent today's time reading up on Hydrogen cells and HHO systems which I wasn't even aware of! As I am approaching the whole project from an engineering viewpoint I will probably work out exactly what I want to do before I worry about affording it. Once I work out the components, structure and method and complete any testing I feel necessary, then I'll look at the financial viability and go (or not) from there!!

[andy5]

... reading up on Hydrogen cells and HHO systems

drivel and hogwash by con artists

Just consider this. Electrolysis isn't energy efficient. Would converting just a few grams of water into jamjars of hydrogen and oxygen then burning in with the rest of the fuel really make a petrol or diesel engine noticeably more efficient?

Water injection without any of that stuff can make some engines slightly more efficient, if for instance it helps cool the inlet side on powerfully turbocharged engines, but that's a separate matter.

[white exec]

That was my conclusion, too, about HHO when I read into it some time ago.
An interesting bit of physics/chemistry, but about as useful for providing significant engine power as a thermopile.

[doctle]

I think a Mazda RX-8 would make a superb EV project..
There's loads of them cheap with knackered engines. .. ripe for a decent electric motor in place of the (-expletive removed-) engine

Freudian slip?

[Hell Razor5543]

Probably predictive text!

[mickthemaverick]

Possibly deductive text

[Sharkie]

Easier to just get a prius or one of the Renault electric boxes and rebuild the battery. Or one of those new tiny ev. Decent range for city driving, but not much more.
If you want to do a conversion from gas to electric, costs are way way higher. Might be better to buy a salvage tesla then and rebuild it completely.

[mickthemaverick]

Well my first "How to do it" book arrived today. If it's good I'll post it in the PE Library!

Own work

[NewcastleFalcon]

short extract from Wheeler Dealers conversion of a Maserati Bi Turbo

Probably not forensic enough for your needs Mick, but nice simple watch if you fast forward to the ed China bit.
Spent about 20,000$ is and recouped it easily in the eventual sale.



REgards Neil

[mickthemaverick]

Thanks for that Neil, as it happens I am a WD fan and I have that episode on my TIVO box for ready reference.

[old'uns]

a lot of the previous posts are waaaaay over my tiny little brain but it did trigger a memory from the Beat forum...
a lot longer back than i remember
http://www.u-ukhbc.co.uk/vbb/showthread ... conversion

another member with great ideas that just faded , however he did post more on diyelectriccar
https://www.diyelectriccar.com/forums/s ... honda+beat

and some blog stuff..it appears he starts something and gets distracted by another car, although it appears the Beat did actually make it to the road
http://electrobeatev.blogspot.com/

nothing too recent though....

[mickthemaverick]

Thanks for those links, I'll go through them when I get home next weekend. The book I mentioned is very good so far!!

[jauv]

Some absolute madman made an EV conversion of the DS:



I can't really stand the guy filming but what a car.

[Paul-R]

What a to$$er the guy making the video is.

The car conversion is amazing. Top marks for the engineering thought that has gone into it. I wonder whether it's in Italy yet?