October 26, 2006 by Rob.

Here are my responses to the questions from AustinEV:

• What range to you need and expect on a daily basis? 50 miles (my commute is 30)
• What performance do you want (0-60, top speed, etc)? I want to get it to highway speeds (65 would be fine). I’m not trying to create a drag racer.
• What is your budget? I’d like to be around $10k (up to $15k is OK)
• Do you care between AC and DC? No. I’d to keep it as simple as possible: I leaning towards DC.
• What type of batteries will you use? I have no idea: the battery space in the Z3 may be a factor. I also want to stay in my budget.
• What voltage do you plan? I thought that would fall out of the bettery, speed, & motor question.

Posted in AustinEV, Conversion, Planning | 1 Comment »

October 26, 2006 by Rob.

Here is what I posted to the AustinEV.org group. I’m posting their replies as comments to this post.

I’ve got a commitment to get a 1996 Toyota RAV4 BWM Z3 for an electrical conversion. I’m motivated to try and get the conversion underway in Arvin’s time line (pre-2007), but I think that may be a stretch.

Even so, I’m willing to try! I’m planning to pick-up the car over Thanksgiving and want to use the planning time effectively. My top questions (plus more on on my blog) are where to start? What type of information do I need so I can start planning? Also, are there legal issues that I should get out of the way?

Can someone point me to blog or reference?

I would never have considered trying this if there was not a support group! Thanks in advance.

Rob

Posted in AustinEV | 2 Comments »

October 25, 2006 by Rob.

I’ll start by staying that I don’t have ANY automotive tools.  I’m happy to buy some tools, but removing an engine seems like it’s a little beyond my workshop.  Clearly, I need to get that CO2 breather out of the car.  Here are some questions:

• Can I do this in my garage?  If so, what tools?  How do I remove all the fluids (gas, oil, coolant) before I  make a mess?
• Can I hire out this task?  Is there a garage that would do it?
• Is the ICE worth something?  Would the buyer be willing to remove it?
• How long should I estimate for this task?

Posted in Conversion, Planning, EV Tech | 2 Comments »

October 25, 2006 by Rob.

While I’m an experienced Engineer, I’m a complete newbie for EV components. I know that there are just three primary components (batteries, controller, and motor) and these components need to be sized to work together. Here are some questions I’m asking to get started.

• What is a reasonable budget?  I heard $10 - 15k.  What will make this higher or lower?
• Should I order them from 1 supplier as a unit? In know that EV America sells kits.
• Should I get the electronics before I start on the ICE removal?
• Who are the best suppliers?
• One of my requirements is that I get a controller with a Computer (serial, usb, CAN, etc) interface.  How much $ will that add?
• Will my electrical system evolve over time?  Should I expect to upgrade and change it?

Posted in Conversion, Planning, EV Tech | 1 Comment »

October 25, 2006 by Rob.

Before I actually take the ICE out of a working car, I’d like some idea on what legal hurdles await me.  Here are some of my questions:

• How will I get my inspection sticker?  Is there a special station that handles EVs?
• Does the EV status of my car change it’s registration process or requirement?
• Does my insurance company care about the EV?  Do I need a special document?
• Can I get a tax break?  If so, where do I sign up for that?

I’ll post the answers as I get them.

Posted in Conversion, Legal | 1 Comment »

October 22, 2006 by Rob.

Today my mother-in-law (Thanks Pat!) agreed to give us her Toyota RAV4 1997 BMW Z3 for an electric car conversion. It is a convertable and manual. Pat has been saving this car of my son, Alexander (11), for when he turns 16, so this is ultimately Alexander’s car. Alexander wants to be a full time participant in the conversion.

This has been a back burner ambition of mine for over 6 months. We’re going to get it moving quickly to help out Arvin Wallace. Alvin wants to film a conversion and I’m happy to have the extra motivation.

Quick Bio: I’m a software architect (meaning design enterprise software system), but also have a mechanical/electrical/industrial engineering background. Electric cars have been an interest area of mine since I was 11. By a strange and unexplained coincidence Alexander is also very interested in electric car

Posted in Conversion, Planning | 2 Comments »