914 EV discussion, Who's doing or done an electric 914? Options

[Joe Bob]

http://www.electroauto.com/gallery/vp914.shtml
http://electric914.wordpress.com/
http://www.evcl.com/914/

Electro Automotive has a kit for 14K...yikes.....
Otmar seems to be REAL busy building components.....

I'm thinkng of doing one for my twins..... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)
I have two years to get it done.....

[pjf]

I have to respectfully disagree with Banger's estimate of the cost per mile for an electric 914. The price of 20 6v lead acid batteries is more like $2000, not $3000. They are rated at 550 cycles at 80% degree of discharge which works out to $3.63 per charge. The pack will hold about 18kwh of electricity at .15/kwh equals $2.70. Total cost $6.33 for about 60 miles or $.1055/mile. Gas at $3 for 30mpg is $.10. Any estimate has some slop in it but I think electric cars using even low-tech batteries are now cost-effective.
The problem with the Ranger EV motor is that the converter is expensive and it runs at a much higher voltage. Higher voltage battery packs are more expensive.
I really doubt ElectroAutomotive's estimate of 100-150 miles. From the electricity usage numbers I got from someone running a car with the kit, it doesn't add up. AC systems are not that much more efficient. $15K for the ElectoAutomotive kit is steep, too steep for me. A DC system where you do things like build the battery boxes yourself can save you alot. I think the estimate is more like $8K. I haven't added up what I'll be spending but its not $15K I can tell you that.
I know that electric motors are rated with continuous HP rather than peak as is the case for gas engines but half the horsepower continuous is still not enough. I've asked someone who used the AC kit in a 914 and they agree. The flat torque curve is nice but it can't make up for the lower horsepower it would seem. DC motors can and are abused and in the extreme case racers get over 400hp from the 9" motor that I plan on using. I'm not going to go that far and with Otmar's controller are shooting for more like 200hp for short bursts.
I too think this will be a fun project. Good luck and let me know if I can help with anything.

[Joe Bob]

I have to respectfully disagree with Banger's estimate of the cost per mile for an electric 914. The price of 20 6v lead acid batteries is more like $2000, not $3000. They are rated at 550 cycles at 80% degree of discharge which works out to $3.63 per charge. The pack will hold about 18kwh of electricity at .15/kwh equals $2.70. Total cost $6.33 for about 60 miles or $.1055/mile. Gas at $3 for 30mpg is $.10. Any estimate has some slop in it but I think electric cars using even low-tech batteries are now cost-effective.
The problem with the Ranger EV motor is that the converter is expensive and it runs at a much higher voltage. Higher voltage battery packs are more expensive.
I really doubt ElectroAutomotive's estimate of 100-150 miles. From the electricity usage numbers I got from someone running a car with the kit, it doesn't add up. AC systems are not that much more efficient. $15K for the ElectoAutomotive kit is steep, too steep for me. A DC system where you do things like build the battery boxes yourself can save you alot. I think the estimate is more like $8K. I haven't added up what I'll be spending but its not $15K I can tell you that.
I know that electric motors are rated with continuous HP rather than peak as is the case for gas engines but half the horsepower continuous is still not enough. I've asked someone who used the AC kit in a 914 and they agree. The flat torque curve is nice but it can't make up for the lower horsepower it would seem. DC motors can and are abused and in the extreme case racers get over 400hp from the 9" motor that I plan on using. I'm not going to go that far and with Otmar's controller are shooting for more like 200hp for short bursts.
I too think this will be a fun project. Good luck and let me know if I can help with anything.

Do you mind posting what the the motor, inverter, controller ran price wise and what manufacturer did you choose and why you went that way? If you'd rather you can email me 356@cox.net.

On shifting? Do you shift thru the gears or do you simply use 3rd or 4th and just tromp on it?

I see plans that use a clutch package, if it's a direct drive with a forward and reverse gear...why the need for a clutch? I've seen schematics for golf carts and such that don't use any clutch at all....

The charging stations at our office have 2 different style plugs....I assume due to manufacturer's choice, Beta versus whatever....do you plan on home charging or is there a "Public Charging" station format?