Video: Porsche 914 home conversion (show & test drive)
 

Via ABG...

The owner/builder of this EV has a pretty comprehensive blog about his project. It's an AC conversion (with regen), which is relatively rare in the DIY EV world.


...including a video showing it off:

Jetsons car!

Wow. I am liking that. Everyone should have one. :D

Yeah, those AC systems have a really distinctive sound. The EV1 sounded like that too (from clips I've seen), only not quite as loud.

every time i see a clip like this it makes me sad with envy. I feel trapped in such a petrol world, one which i loath.

that is one sweeeet ride.
too bad he doesn't say how far he can expect get on the Highway with one charge.

I've seen many DC conversions but never much about AC conversions. How much more do AC conversions cost in the end? Are they able to squeeze out better mileage in the end? I can't see this guy citing maximum range or costs.

That motor sound is AWESOME! What causes an AC system to do that? What are the benefits of an AC system compared to a DC one?

Most DC motors have brushes so they require some maintenance there where AC motors do not. AC motors tend to be slightly more efficient in my experiences - unrelated to cars - but the cost of converting energy from AC (wall) to DC (batteries) to AC (motor) again is costly in terms of efficiency as well. In a single motor, common scenario, regenerative breaking is only possible with AC.

That car DOES have a great sound.

Brushless DC motors are about half a step away from AC motors. Maybe all use DIYers should be using those!