Electric Insight project

[tscheerer]

It's been quite a while and no updates. The conversion has been on hold due to other projects and priorities, however have done the following.
1. reconstruction on the core support to mount the hood latch
2. bought a hood release cable and installed it
3. bought and installed mirrors on both doors

Plan to start the EV conversion in the next month or so with goal of having it running by summer.

[MetroMPG]

Wow, that's a long time between updates.

But glad to hear the project is still alive.

[RobertSmalls]

Can you elaborate on what's going to connect the motor to the wheels, in terms of tranny and CV shafts? I'm also very curious as to where you're placing your battery boxes.

[tscheerer]

Here's another periodic update on my Insight EV project. Have removed the fuel tank assembly and have some pics showing the components. While doing this, noticed that where the tank was is a perfect spot to mount a battery box. It would be low, in the center of the car, and below the raised area of the floor behind the seats. Due to the hump there, the batteries would likely not hang lower than the fuel tank did, so they would be tucked up under the car nicely. Bought a 72v/20a charger and went to Batteries Plus to look at their 105ah deep cycle batteries. I'm leaning towards 6 12v 105ah batteries for the initial power supply, the pack weight should be about 400lbs. Plan on a 12v battery similar to OEM in the engine compartment for the accessories & lights with an alternator running off the electric motor secondary output shaft. The motor will mate to a GM manual trans. Mounting the driveline and adapting half shafts from the GM pattern to the Insight pattern should be the major hurdles going forward.

[bennelson]

What did you decide on for the charger?
My car has mostly been running 72V, but my charger died a while ago.

Do you have a make/model/price to share with us?

[tscheerer]

The charger is a Quick Charge OBET 72v/20a unit (pic in prior post), which I bought used off EV Tradin Post: Electric Vehicle Classifieds. There are several places that sell similar units online, and the site just mentioned is a great place to look for EV parts.