I thought this fact might interest some on this forum: I found out that at least 42 Porsche 914's have been converted to electric power. They can be viewed on this web site: http://www.evalbum.com/type/PORS/


Jim

Pretty Cool! The silver one on page 1 is for sale.

I'm wondering why there are so many variations on motors and voltage. Some have more batteries, some less. Driving range is all over the place.

Just seems kind of random. I wonder what the best design is?

It would be fun to build one if I thought I could get decent performance from it. A limited range wouldn't be the end of the world the way I use it.

How much do they want....that has to be fun to drive.

It *HAS* been fun to do. There are some amazing motors coming out - I've been following a thread on DIYElectricCar forum about a 100Kw and 200Kw motor - those should blow away most V8s! I've got a 40kw continuous, 80kw peak motor/controller combo, and Sean Molloy seems to like the acceleration (he keeps braking and stomping on the GO pedal)

Just make sure your pack is big enough to get the range you want. I have a 22kwh pack, and that gives me 70 miles range (at freeway speed). More than adequate for my daily commute.

If you are in San Diego, I'd be happy to show off "Sparky".

Cheers, Peter

What does it realistically cost to do something like this? To have something with a similar power to weight ratio of say a 250hp flat 6 swap?

They are all over the place as there are not to many alike. They have similar components but they are all a custom deal. So it depends on the person doing it & when they did. The older setup's needed more batteries. As everything with time they become more efficient as do the batteries. You can get more distance now with less batteries as the technology has improved so much. Both in Batteries & the electric motor's. If you want more info talk to Otmar at CafeElectric. He is one of the pioneer's with Electric. He has dual electric motor's in it & it flat out fly's

I like the idea of doing the swap into a Boxster. Probably can find one with a bad engine for a nice price, and have some nice amenities for a daily driver. I imagine that the electrics for the rest of the car's systems may be quite challenging however.

DR. Porsche is spinning in his grave at 7000 RPM

Wasn't his first car electric powered? Hybrid?

I bought my 914 with the intention of doing an electric conversion. Then I decided it was too much fun and went for a /6 converison instead.

But I very much intend on following through with an electric version project (with a 2nd 914 of course) after I finish the /6 - it looks to be a fun project.

Peak torque at 0 rpm has the potential for great fun! (but I'm not trading my LS1 for electric propulsion any time soon).

Even lowly Nissan Leafs (Leaves?) amd Mistubishi i-MiEVs get across the intersection pretty quickly. Some guy a while back built an Ariel Atom with a wicked li-ion pack, and it got to 60 mph in about 3 sec. flat!

According to what I see in Panorama and Excellence, "Professor Porsche" is generally used for the Ferdinand P born in the 19th century. His first car was indeed an all-electric design built for Lohner, quickly followed by a gas-fired electric hybrid.

yup, it scoots! i love teh sound it makes too. its like George Jetson's ride. its techno geek cool with flat screen telemetry, individual battery monitoriong circuitry, liquid cooled and fly by wire.

It's been a hoot! 6000 miles now an not a drop of gasoline purchased! The conversion was aimed at normal performance, not racing. I was able to put mine on a dyno this summer and it put out over 100hp and 200ft-lbs. Not stupendous but better that the original 4 cyl. The max torque was at 50 rpm. ( I think I need to be careful not to hurt the transmission or cv joints) We use the car now as our primary driver, grocery getter. My son visited last week and we did a 135 mile drive out in the countryside. Fun, fun. I think Dr Porsche would like it just fine.

Jim
my 914:
http://www.evalbum.com/3439

22,000 Miles petroleum free.



http://www.evalbum.com/3576

McB

I bet it would be neat to change never one of the 98 or 99 911's with a blown motor

There is an electric powered 914 being stored in a hangar at the airport here. I told the hangar owner that if the guy wants to get rid of the 914, I want first right of refusal. Apparently it has everything but the batteries.

Too heavy
A really light 914, lots of fiberglass panels, light but high torque motor. Lithium battery pack built for speed and just low to medium range.
Lexan instead of glass
No wipers or extra "stuff"

Maybe because I'm older or maybe because I have more reverance for the marque than you, but I find EVing a classic car like the 914, well, let's say very distasteful. You can quote me better acceleration figures all you want, but your losses in handling, storage, range, and maybe most important, the innate feeling and sound of blipping the throttle during a pre-corner gear change isn't worth saving a few gallons of cheap gas for your science experiments. If you want to save the planet, do it with a older Corrolla.

I've thought seriously about replacing my engine with an electric motor. I think my car would be perfect for it. I could mount the batteries anywhere I need to. I seen the videos of the acceleration of e-cars and I'd like to get in on that.

Hell I've done everything else to my car so why not?