Introducing myself - eejit with an electric car project
Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2015 8:11 pm
Dear all,
I would like to introduce myself as a new member to this forum (and lurker for a couple of weeks).
I have been owning, loving and restoring MGB Roasters for over 20 years and admiring Elans from afar. I have also been planning an electric restoration of some sort of sports car for a while now and the following occurred to me::
1) I ideally needed something lightweight - lighter than a B
2) I wanted something with 2 rear seats (for the littluns)
When I saw a +2 on ebay going without an engine or transmission and with a rusted through fuel tank it looked like a perfect donor and I went for it. (Actually I have since decided to use a multi-speed transmission for added efficiency, to which end the seller was also kindly able to supply me with an MT75 box).
I have found a couple of threads on this forum so far, relating to similar projects and I was wondering whether any members have made progress since then and would be happy to share their experiences.
I am currently looking at the AC Induction motors, something like a HPEVS AC-76 motor. I am less sure about the controller but I am looking at things like the NetGain WarpDrive. I imagine that the project will probably take a year or two, given all my other commitments and therefore I will leave the battery purchase to the very last minute, just in case there are any battery tech quantum leaps between now and then.
My general design parameters are:
1) 100-150 mile range at sensible A-road speeds (cf. the "New European Driving Cycle").
2) Enough grunt still to do the Elan justice (at least for a few minutes of fun)
3) Final curb mass no more than ~1000kg (MGB territory) so as not to lose too much of the famed Lotus handling.
I am also looking at ideas to add lightweight strength and safety the fiberglass tub (maybe I will leave that to another thread though...)
Hopefully speak soon,
Alec
I would like to introduce myself as a new member to this forum (and lurker for a couple of weeks).
I have been owning, loving and restoring MGB Roasters for over 20 years and admiring Elans from afar. I have also been planning an electric restoration of some sort of sports car for a while now and the following occurred to me::
1) I ideally needed something lightweight - lighter than a B
2) I wanted something with 2 rear seats (for the littluns)
When I saw a +2 on ebay going without an engine or transmission and with a rusted through fuel tank it looked like a perfect donor and I went for it. (Actually I have since decided to use a multi-speed transmission for added efficiency, to which end the seller was also kindly able to supply me with an MT75 box).
I have found a couple of threads on this forum so far, relating to similar projects and I was wondering whether any members have made progress since then and would be happy to share their experiences.
I am currently looking at the AC Induction motors, something like a HPEVS AC-76 motor. I am less sure about the controller but I am looking at things like the NetGain WarpDrive. I imagine that the project will probably take a year or two, given all my other commitments and therefore I will leave the battery purchase to the very last minute, just in case there are any battery tech quantum leaps between now and then.
My general design parameters are:
1) 100-150 mile range at sensible A-road speeds (cf. the "New European Driving Cycle").
2) Enough grunt still to do the Elan justice (at least for a few minutes of fun)
3) Final curb mass no more than ~1000kg (MGB territory) so as not to lose too much of the famed Lotus handling.
I am also looking at ideas to add lightweight strength and safety the fiberglass tub (maybe I will leave that to another thread though...)
Hopefully speak soon,
Alec