The Electric Car for us?
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From: Wisconsin
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: La Crescenta, CA
Originally Posted by Brian,Feb 16 2009, 7:17 PM
Many are reading this post and not understanding things change. Gas was over $5.00 a gallon when I started and to my surprise it did drop and drastically. I originally was just hoping for 45 mile range and on lead acid batteries. This wasn't feasible so I had to change to lithium cells which blew away my original estimate of only $6k.
Recouping the cost was based on the original estimates and gas prices. I haven't done the math but I'm guessing it will take a very long time to pay for itself if ever.
Recouping the cost was based on the original estimates and gas prices. I haven't done the math but I'm guessing it will take a very long time to pay for itself if ever.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Ventura, California, USA
Impressive and pretty cool.
At first I looked around at used cars hoping to find some crazy deal on something nice with a blown engine or something. Truth is that it's very rare to find a car in great condition with a blown motor. Usually the driver takes equal care to all parts of the car. Everything I found say within a few thousand was crap, or so old it didn't have the safety features that are great on modern cars (i.e. ABS brakes, Air bags, etc).
The S2000 is a third vehicle for us so I won't be down a car while doing the conversion. In addition this car is only used for commuting to work so it's already a special purpose vehicle and the limited range of an EV fits the role perfect here.
2003 Honda S2000
Curb Weight: 2800 lbs
Battery space: Not much. I think I can squeeze 12(12v 115AH) batteries
I'm shooting for a 144v system. There is just no way this vehicle could go with less than 12v batteries since it can't handle the weight. On the plus side it's light and aerodynamic. I have quite a few plans for reducing weight and increasing range which I'll cover later. I should be able to get 45+ miles per charge and need around 37 to get to work one way where I'll be able to recharge for the return trip home.
At first I looked around at used cars hoping to find some crazy deal on something nice with a blown engine or something. Truth is that it's very rare to find a car in great condition with a blown motor. Usually the driver takes equal care to all parts of the car. Everything I found say within a few thousand was crap, or so old it didn't have the safety features that are great on modern cars (i.e. ABS brakes, Air bags, etc).
The S2000 is a third vehicle for us so I won't be down a car while doing the conversion. In addition this car is only used for commuting to work so it's already a special purpose vehicle and the limited range of an EV fits the role perfect here.
2003 Honda S2000
Curb Weight: 2800 lbs
Battery space: Not much. I think I can squeeze 12(12v 115AH) batteries
I'm shooting for a 144v system. There is just no way this vehicle could go with less than 12v batteries since it can't handle the weight. On the plus side it's light and aerodynamic. I have quite a few plans for reducing weight and increasing range which I'll cover later. I should be able to get 45+ miles per charge and need around 37 to get to work one way where I'll be able to recharge for the return trip home.
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From: USSA
I wonder if you can find an old insight and merge its drivetrain into the S? Seems like a better, less hassle way to do it.
I also see a trend in the future....instead of K-swaps...we will see Hybrid swaps. I can see it now.....Civic hatch ricers stealing Insight and Prius batteries yo!!
I also see a trend in the future....instead of K-swaps...we will see Hybrid swaps. I can see it now.....Civic hatch ricers stealing Insight and Prius batteries yo!!
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