Building an EV
 

I am seriously considering building an electric vehicle. Anyone have any good suggestions of what car to start on? I was thinking an old VW Bug, but they don't seem too aerodynamic. Whatever it is, it does need to have 4 seats (in case my wife's car breaks down). It will mostly be used by just me. I'd like something with low weight. Thanks to anyone who shares their thoughts.

Gary

unless you feel like making alot of parts your self check out what kind of kits are out there.
VW's are popular, bugs, rabbits, alot of them, so are geo metros, Saturns, ford escort wagons.
check Ebay too to see what people are selling to get ideas, also EValbum is a good place to look at other peoples cars.

I found EVAlbum after I posted this: It is really helpful. Thanks for the advice. I think a kit may be the way to go.

Also the Fox Valley Electric Vehicle Association may be a good resource FVEAA - Fox Valley Electric Auto Association - FVEAA Home . I've talked with Ted before (the president), real nice guy.

Kits are certainly a nice way to go, but the hardest part of building one is the adapter plate/hub. You can buy these pre-measured and premade for the Metro, Civic, S10, Bug/Ghia/Bus, Rabbit and others.

Pop over to DIY Electric Car Forums Site Home where you will find lots of people building electric vehicles out of many different donors.

I really don't suggest buying a kit, they are very overpriced. If you can find a machine shop to build an adapter plate and coupler for you, that would me much much cheaper. Some necessities are:
Controller
Batteries
Motor
Adapter Plate
Coupler
Contactor
Cables + lugs
Potentiometer

Some websites for EV parts are
www.cloudelectric.com
www.evparts.com