EV Locost

[Fuzzy]

Dunno how many people are into Lotus 7 clones here (either kit, or "locost" form). I've seen a couple of mentions of EV versions; mostly from kit manufacturers looking into it, but nothing real concrete. Here's someone starting a new build: Forum Log, and an imagecave gallery.

This might be a good way to get the light weight, and cheap build needed for a good EV.

[Ryland]

sure looks pretty!
personaly I like having an inclosed vehicle, and if you as people who are building electric cars who already have an electric bicycle or electric motorcycle they tend to agree.

[Doofus McFancypants]

That was the forum i was on - they had linked in the Aero-civic as body styling.

I like the idea of the Locost 7 budget build - but have shy'd away from using welding skills i have not developed yet to build a car.
There is one Kit company that is exploring a EV Kit layout - you get frame with modified mounting points for electric motor as well as reduced tunnel ( as there is no drive shaft)

Looks really interesting for a kit car - fun weather - fun driving - get alot of looks kinda car. It may be my 3rd dream project car right after the

(#1) Daily Commuter ECO car
(#2) Old School Mini converted to Electric (MINI-Volt)
(#3) Locost 7 build ( miata based drive train)
(#4) V8 Miata ( with Shell from #3 Build)
(#5) PT Crusier convertable ( modified to mid engine - twin turbo V6)
(#6) Shelby 426 Cobra Replica



Will i ever get past #1?? probably not - but you gotta start dreaming some where - and the more i plan - the better i can execute once i actually have
- time
- money
- space.

: )

Steve

[johnpr]

i love those cars, and have been tossing the idea of building one back and forth, i would definately make a removable hard top with swing away windows so that i could drive it all the time.

[wumpus]

http://www.superlitecars.com/roadster_spec.html

This car and the "electrolight" (an EV cousin) were supposed to be available mid January. The company behind them has been shipping cars (rolling chassis actually), so presumably they will eventually pull through.

Price is something like $35k, batteries not included (customer can specify battery type). Its also quite a bit higher than the gas version (16k, but you need to add engine and transmission).

Of course, I'm not sure where someone could possibly use such a minimalist car as a daily driver. Optimum climates may allow >90% use, making me jealous.

[MetroMPG]

That "coupe" would make one heck of an attention getting EV!

[DifferentPointofView]

^ looks like a McLaren F1 mixed with a Saleen S7. without the gas guzzling v12. Look good and feel good. Cause your not putting out emissions!

[bradjensen68]

These are already available from a friend of mine at Detroit EV:
Detroit EV - Electrolite Roadster and Other Electric Vehicles

You can order one now.

[taffy]

Thought i would drop a comment in here.
I am building a locost EV in melbourne australia but going 144 SLA 85 - 110AH depending on how i well i can get the packaging to work (doing this now).
Motor: Warp9 9"
No gearbox, direct drive
Controller: Ecomodd one maybe (why i found this site!) or logisystems 750 or 1000A depending on exchange rate
Main donor is a Ford Cortina TE
Various other little bits and pieces that add alot of $$$

Making a website to explain alot of things... like everything else involved in kit car making its slow going!

The stage i am at is that i just finished putting the transmission tunnel in and the next step is the suspension so i can finish the battery box's which are suspension travel dependent.

[Intrigued]

Originally Posted by taffy

Controller: Ecomodd one maybe (why i found this site!) or logisystems 750 or 1000A depending on exchange rate.

Be sure to check how others have done with the Logisystems controllers. I've heard of several of them "letting the magic smoke out" in a rather violent manner. I haven't been able to tell if these people didn't use a pre-charge resistor, or if the controller itself was the problem.

I've also heard that Logisystems has new design controllers out. As I said before, check into the feedback before getting these (or any) controllers.