Ben Nelson's Electro-Metro Build thread - Page 3 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

bennelson · 02-01-2008, 10:48 AM

If I got the Miata, the first thing I would do is sell off the engine. It is in (poorly) but running condition. I'm sure somebody would want it.

The charger with the forklift is a 240V - I think it is single phase.

I am looking at a battery pack weight of between 700 and 1000 lbs.

bennelson · 02-01-2008, 08:50 PM

I arranged today for a tow-truck driver to pick up the forklift on Monday (or Tues if we get snow again)

The truck is one of those flat-beds they use for transporting all-wheel drive cars. The bed tilts down and then hoists the vehicle up onto the truck.

I will need to dig up some scrap wood this weekend to put down on the driveway, so I have a place to put the forklift.

SVOboy · 02-01-2008, 09:14 PM

Nice! I can't wait to see some pictures of the tear down,

MetroMPG · 02-01-2008, 09:54 PM

Awesome news.

BTW - the link to that EV Miata you posted above? Smal world: I've seen that car. Since its EV album entry was done, that same car has been converted into a series hybrid, with a bio-d genset in the trunk.

It's featured in this book.

Oh, and in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/v/Rba3_S3AobY

bennelson · 02-03-2008, 02:25 AM

Another possibility: an old VW Rabbit - hard to beat for lightweight!
http://madison.craigslist.org/car/560798296.html

SVOboy · 02-03-2008, 02:29 AM

I think the rabbit is a fun looking car, but for mind-changing the miata is about 20 degrees cooler.

bennelson · 02-03-2008, 02:40 AM

yep, gotta agree with you there. I have seen some photos of some pretty cool CRXs too. Haven't found any inexpensive ones yet that aren't rustbuckets.

diesel_john · 02-03-2008, 03:30 AM

OLd Rabbits are aero inefficient. In fact a stock rabbit can only go 70MPH on 52HP. They rust out too, mine has a full length aluminum frame between the bottom and the belly pan. i was going to suggest a little diesel/gen. in back, but didn't. One that would burn about a pint an hour wide open.

roflwaffle · 02-03-2008, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diesel_john

In fact a stock rabbit can only go 70MPH on 52HP.

Depends on the trans. If ya don't mind staying in 4th, they should be able to do at least 80mph on flat ground.

GenKreton · 02-03-2008, 03:24 PM

Great thread - its awesome that it is progressing so quickly. I hope you litter it with pictures once the work starts.