Hi! Newbie wanting to build EV..

[CarlosP]

Hi guys! Interesting forum!! I've been toying around with the idea about building am Eco-Car for some time now. I was about to do a Bio-diesel, but I decided that EV was the way to go..

I have a couple of questions before starting on this project..

1. What is the battery lifespan or how frequently do they have to be replaced?
2. Do you have to sacrifice commodities such as Power Steering and Air Conditioning? (Since I live in a tropical region air conditioning isn't luxury but a necessity. When it gets hot during summer and specially during rainy seasons when no a/c means fogged windshield. Power steering I can live without)

I would like to build an EV, but I would prefer a car or pickup that could fit 2 to 4 people comfortably. I would like an engine that can at least top 70mph to 75mph, and that doesn't feel sluggish.

That bad part is that since things are getting bit tight these days, my budget now is between $2,000 to $2,500. Am I asking too much??

Ideally, I would like to have it charged with solar power later on.

What vehicles would be the simplest and wisest choice? What Electric Engines would be the best choice to achieve my goal? Mayor parts worth recommending? Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!

[theunchosen]

You are asking alot. . .

Most electric here have trouble doing 70 for very long. 2-4 people. . .probably 2, 4 is 200+ extra pounds of person. . .

Batteries depending on what kind might not last long as it sounds like you would need bare minimum.

That would heavily deplete batteries and reduce life time. with 2 grand to spend you ought to consider modding your current vehicle with aero, and reductions in weight and wasted energy used and see what happens later. ..

EV for 2 grand would be tight. . .

[Electric Frenzy]

wow...just the motor I was looking at is almost $2k. Batteries are probably close to that as well. Controller probably around $1k. I estimate a decent EV build (done properly) will cost me in the $10k range for everything.

[Daox]

If you scrounge salvage parts from different places you can build them for around $1k. However, that setup won't meet the specs you want.

[CarlosP]

Originally Posted by theunchosen

You are asking alot. . .

Most electric here have trouble doing 70 for very long. 2-4 people. . .probably 2, 4 is 200+ extra pounds of person. . .

Batteries depending on what kind might not last long as it sounds like you would need bare minimum.

That would heavily deplete batteries and reduce life time. with 2 grand to spend you ought to consider modding your current vehicle with aero, and reductions in weight and wasted energy used and see what happens later. ..

EV for 2 grand would be tight. . .

70mph+ would be great.. I can probably settle within 50 to 60 mph since the car would mostly be for city driving,..

When I said 4 people actually I was referring as in space or sitting for 4 people. I usually drive by myself and along with my wife when we go out. Just thinking that it would be nice to have enough extra space, in the rare occasion that I bring someone a long for a ride...

I would be doing most of the work myself..

[CarlosP]

Originally Posted by Daox

If you scrounge salvage parts from different places you can build them for around $1k. However, that setup won't meet the specs you want.

I am willing to scavenge around for parts.. I have patience and am not in a hurry to do this..

I noticed you have a Paseo. That was one of the cars I was first thinking for an ev build, Tercel or Paseo. I would prefer a car that wouldn't weigh as much and wasn't too small.

What specs could I average around in my budget?

[Ryland]

Batteries should last 5-7 years and cost will start around $2,000 for a set that can get you up to 70mph, you could try used batteries but I've done that and have found it would have been cheaper to buy new.

[esoneson]

Carlos,

Take a peek at: Electric car conversion on a beer budget - ForkenSwift.com

You might get some good ideas there for a budget build.

Eric

[CarlosP]

Yes, I had seen the ForkenSwift. That one got me thinking that.. hey it is actually possible and affordable if you make good use of your resources.

Thanks for all the input guys..!!

I was wondering, what specifications do I have to look for in an electric motor to generate 50mph or more?

[theunchosen]

It depends on the weight and aerodynamics of the car.

I think the forkenswift might have a little trouble doing 50 sustainably