74 Electric Build Thread, Volt & Tesla Drivetrain Options

[annyung]

So here goes nothing. I'm kicking off my build for a 400+hp awd electric conversion of my 74 914. I will part out a Volt and use the drive unit in the rear of the car, the battery will be rotated 180 and go in the tunnel between the seats. A Model S drive unit will power the front wheels completing the AWD.

[bbrock]

I also like this project. Love the can-do spirit. I'm also curious about how the front and rear motors will be synched. Someone mentioned brakes. From what I've read, both the Volt and Model S have regenerative braking. Any chance this will be incorporated into the build?

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[rbzymek]

I also like this project. Love the can-do spirit. I'm also curious about how the front and rear motors will be synched. Someone mentioned brakes. From what I've read, but the Volt and Model S have regenerative braking. Any chance this will be incorporated into the build?

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

After retiring from Ford I worked at a consulting company where one of the projects was the conversion of a Toyota Corolla to battery electric using Li-Ion batteries. The scope of that project was easier than your conversion because there was no IC engine to deal with and there was only one electric machine. We used a Siemens motor and a Borg Warner single speed trans axle. I architect-ed the Motohawk controller and wrote the Simulink software that "glued" all of the bits together including the battery management system, motor controller and shift lever. The was no thermal management system for the battery packs that were packaged in three locations (not recommended). Your biggest challenge will be the software to make the battery pack and the electric motor happy and allow it to function. Those OEM systems require a lot of handshakes to enable them to function. (We also did some consulting on the VOLT battery system).

Good luck on your project and keep us posted!