Project: Nissan Leaf drivetrain into '02 Honda Insight

[Xist]

Miscrms, your project seems pretty awesome, too! What about creating a build thread?

[Daox]

I agree, a build thread would be great.

[foxgrockefeller]

I'm very interested in this and am curious if you know the weight of the leaf drivetrain compared to an HF drivetrain in both of my CRX(1990 & 1991). Trying to do the math on my estimated weight after conversion and 0-60 speeds etc. I seen the leaf battery weighs 600 pounds. My HF weighed 1967lbs from the factory.... Also I would be very interested in helping you with this project as I'm 2 hours east of you in Independence, MO. I'm certain the hands on experience would improve the speed at which I could convert my own vehicle. Feel free to PM me and we can exchange contact info. Looking forward to your progress and wish you luck.

[miscrms]

As I understand a fair amount of the weight of the Leaf pack is in the case itself. I've seen the total pack weight put at about 660lbs.

The battery modules are reported to weigh a little over 8 lbs each, with 48 modules in a pack. Someone selling the half of the pack that's all in one sub-pack with bus bars etc reported it weighed 210 lbs. I've also seen it stated that the complete battery plus controller weighs 480 lbs, though not sure if that includes the contactor box.

Rob

[miscrms]

On the other end, I've seen the 2011-12 motor only weight put at ~130 lbs, and the 2013+ motor plus reduction gear put at ~160lbs. For inverters I've seen 37lbs for 2011-12, and 33 lbs for 2013+. Charger ~60lbs for 2013+, haven't found a weight for 2011-12 but should less as 3.3kW vs. 6.6kW.

Hope that helps,
Rob

[foxgrockefeller]

So...
Leaf CRX
Motor + gear 160 motor & tranny 295lbs?
inverter 37 Full gas tank 95lbs?
charger 60 Spare + jack 40lbs?
Batteries 420
Total: 777 lbs 430 lbs
Net gain of = 347 lbs
Where else can weight be removed or how much would you expect the full leaf setup to increase over stock weight?

[miscrms]

Thanks for the encouragement, I'll definitely put a build thread up once I get into the real work

Fox your numbers look reasonable to me. Remember that you are taking the drive system out of a 3400-3600 lb vehicle and putting it in a <2000 lb vehicle. Sort of like putting a V8 in a civic You could probably end up much closer to stock weight / performance with a more moderately sized motor / inverter / battery, it really depends on what you are going for.

Rob

[elhigh]

miscrms, being a fan of SAABs in general and Sonnets in particular, your project strikes me as bonkers, heretical and fascinating. I look forward to seeing how it develops.

I learned to drive in a 96, four-on-the-tree and the freewheeler handle tied off in the pulled-out position by a length of baler twine. That old car was a moose, I loved it.

[foxgrockefeller]

I want to keep up with xpedro01...Where are you guy
Anyhow I want a car this light for a very fast yet efficient car with some range to commute 50miles round trip to work. At least that is the mission. I'm trying to decide what to do with my 2nd CRX since it needs so much work. Thinking about scrapping it. If the body didn't need so much help I'd just use it to convert.

[rmay635703]

This is the best project ever!

I have wanted to put a RWD MIEV drivetrain in the rear boot of either my insight or my fathers ZX40 for some time, (while having a FWD gasser up front as a hybrid)

This thread provides inspiration, you are truly from the great generation!