Electric Car (Tata Nano as host?)

[Yaristock]

I have seriously considered getting a car to convert, but I think I have convinced myself to wait for the Nano to come to USA. I feel that that car is a great platform to convert. Anyone else feel so or have any input to contradict my thought.

[WaxyChicken]

What would your daily requirements be for your convert?
Also, don't forget, the Nano only has so much space for batts.
Weight wise it would be great:
Curb weight 580 kg (1,300 lb)-600 kg (1,300 lb) (from wikipedia)

[GenKreton]

The stories seem to indicate it isn't as up to safety standards as hyped. If this is the case, it could be a long time before we see it imported into the states.

And if you could fit the batteries in, you would really need to upgrade the suspension.

[WaxyChicken]

iLoveIndia.comSafety: Tata says that they have tested the small car extensively for front, rear and side collisions and come out with a product that exceeds current regulatory requirements. The safety features of the Nano include a strong passenger compartment, intrusion resistant doors, seat belts, sturdy seats and anchorage.

I suppose the question is... did they test for impact with a H2 Hummer or just impact with an India bicycle?

[Yaristock]

I believe I read it complies with EU ratings. Unfortunately no mater what your crash test variable are. Nothing can survive and H2 collision but an H2. I want to either get a Nano and convert for a 30-50mile range or just get a Bug-e

[bennelson]

I think a Nano could make a great little car.

Getting them into the US would be the hardest part.

I would love to have just a plain gasoline one!

[Frank Lee]

I'd have to have a thorough looky-see at it first. If it is that light, and was not "overbuilt", that may be a huge limiting factor in how many batteries it can handle, weight- and space-wise, without having to undergo lots of modifications. And, I could never bring myself to rip up a perfectly good new or almost new car for a project of dubious value.

[cfg83]

GenKreton -

Originally Posted by GenKreton

The stories seem to indicate it isn't as up to safety standards as hyped. If this is the case, it could be a long time before we see it imported into the states.

And if you could fit the batteries in, you would really need to upgrade the suspension.

That was my impression from the start. I think their goal would be the minimum for EU compliance, which would make them below USA standards. I would think that a Nano would only qualify for a sub-35 MPH EV conversion, ala Zenn cars (http://www.zenncars.com/).

CarloSW2

[Yaristock]

Sounds like the Bug-e is going to be my best bet then. But it would be interesting to see that car in person.

[Frank Lee]

Gallery - Cars competing to be 100mpg champions - Image 5 - New Scientist

Tata themselves have made an electric version of the Nano... at least, experimentally.