The Modded Electric S2000 (Photos)
Fans of sleek Japanese roadsters and sustainable eco-technology will love what one man did to his S2000.
1. Brian and his S2000 full-electric conversion
The S2000 was discontinued in 2009 after the auto industry crisis and bailout. However, this never stopped people from continuing to innovate the S2000 at a grassroots level. In California, a man named Brian rebuilt his Honda S2000 with a fully electric powertrain. Costing approximately $12,000 in personal expenses, Brian's efforts resulted in a true one-of-a-kind type of vehicle. Although this isn't the only time someone has electrified an S2000, this is arguably the best looking and realized version around, especially when you consider he did the work from his home garage. Better still, Brian has revealed his amazing vehicle, not to mention the process he took to build it, on his online blog SK2EV.
>>Join the conversation about the Modded Electric S2000 right here in the S2ki Forum!
2. The S2KEV was conceived for practical reasons
Electric vehicle technology isn't usually seen as a practical choice in lieu of conventional gas engines; this is one of the big reasons why the trend hasn't taken off like it should have. However, Brian arrived at his decision to electrify the S2000 after comparing the upgrade cost with his current gas expenses. By his estimates, Brian was spending at least $300 each month just to get to work and back; the electricity cost would be a tenth of that in comparison. There's no arguing against the steep costs of electrifying a vehicle. The way Brian figures it though, the money saved on gas should pay off an electric conversion within a few years.
>>Join the conversation about the Modded Electric S2000 right here in the S2ki Forum!
3. Saying goodbye to the F20C powertrain
One of the most notable things about the Honda S2000 is its rock solid F20C powertrain. The S2000 is sometimes described as a rocket with seats attached. Removing this integral part of the S2000 character out of the equation, Brian replaced it with 45 160Ah lithium-ion batteries and an Advanced DC FB1-4001A electric motor. The new motor's 144-volt maximum can't really compare to the stock engine when it comes to raw performance, and the wiped out powertrain would have a significant effect on the car's distinctive feel. There are S2000 fans out there who would argue the roadster's signature experience is ruined when the car lacks its original force. On the other hand, the S2000's barebones chassis and sleek design make it a perfect candidate for electrification.
>>Join the conversation about the Modded Electric S2000 right here in the S2ki Forum!
4. A lot of trials along the way
After exchanging the powertrain and getting the upgraded S2000 underway, there was still a lengthy process of identifying problems and solving them as he went along. One of these unforeseen kinks was the EV battery's tendency to overheat and lose charge on warm days. According to his blog, Brian would drive the S2000 to work and find that the battery had drained considerably by day's end. This problem was first alleviated by leaving the battery trunk ajar, but his final solution involved installing fans on the trunk interior to keep the batteries cool. This kind of ongoing problem-solving really attests to Brian's ingenuity as an engineer.
>>Join the conversation about the Modded Electric S2000 right here in the S2ki Forum!
5. Operating an EV takes extra thought and planning
The problem with a hi-tech alternative like an EV is that the infrastructure hasn't really caught up yet. Due to a full EV's relatively limited range compared to the gas engine, operating an EV means having to plan around the limitations during each step of your daily routine. Case in point: Brian considered it a small victory when he got a specialized parking stall reserved for his S2K. This saved him from needing to place cones on the spot whenever he went out for a lunch break.
>>Join the conversation about the Modded Electric S2000 right here in the S2ki Forum!
6. The S2KEV even has custom nameplates
Although there have been other homebrew electric S2000s, Brian went the extra mile in making his look professional. Sharp little touches like his custom EV nameplate and SK2EV license number add a coolness factor to the car that EV often lack.
>>Join the conversation about the Modded Electric S2000 right here in the S2ki Forum!
7. Honda just might have a hybrid or electric S2000 someday
Although we haven't seen a new Honda S2000 in nearly a decade, things are looking like the roadster will see a bold return before long. A lot has definitely changed in the time since the S2000 first rolled off the production line. With a fully electric powertrain becoming more fashionable now than ever, automakers and buyers alike are really chiming into Brian's smart logic. If the S2000 indeed returns, it is likely we'll see plug-in hybrid and subsequent EV models as well.
In the meantime, if you don't want to wait for an official electric S2K and want to upgrade your own, Brian's blog is the perfect source for know-how and inspiration.
>>Join the conversation about the Modded Electric S2000 right here in the S2ki Forum!