December 30, 2006 by Rob.

This is for the 2nd generation 2001 model, but should be close enough.

1: 3.833, 2: 2.045, 3: 1.333, 4: 1.028, 5:0.82, rev: 3.583, Differential: 4.235

There are lots of other details on this site.

Posted in EV Tech | No Comments »

December 30, 2006 by Rob.

I found this while I was cruising the web. Kevin Hulsey is the source.

Posted in Pictures, EV Tech | 1 Comment »

December 28, 2006 by Rob.

I assume that we’ll have a more playful name once I start working on the conversion, but for now it’s REV.

What does it mean, take your pick:

• RAV4 EV
• Rob’s EV
• REVolutionary
• Stock ticker for Revlon (I smell a corporate sponsor)

Note: Ultimately, none of these names was right.

Posted in Planning | No Comments »

December 28, 2006 by Rob.

I was reading some of the EV discussions and realized that there are drop in replacements for my regular light bulbs.  LEDs won’t work for the headlights, but all the other lights (tail, turn, interior, license plate) can be replaced with power saving LEDs.

It’s a small change, but something I can do in a couple of hours while I stage the real work.  I’m itching to get going (scratch, scratch) and am having trouble waiting!

Posted in EV Tech | No Comments »

December 26, 2006 by Rob.

It occurs to me that I need to know the gear ratios of my manual transmission.

I found a list of transmissions, but am not sure which one is mine.

Posted in EV Tech | No Comments »

December 23, 2006 by Rob.

It was no trouble to sell the engine once the buyer understood that I was not completely crazy.  I can justified it to him since a converted car sells for >$25k and the parts cost <$15k.  He's got a friend w/ an operable RAV4, but with some looming engine problems.

The cool part is that his friend is a mechanic and would happily strip out all the combustion parts as part of the deal.  He can tow it back to my house afterwards.

I'm strongly considering using the direct drive kit instead of adapting to my manual transmission.  I don’t think it will save any effort, but it eliminates the need to shift.  That should make it easier for my wife and son to drive the car.  It may also save some weight.

I’m interested in hearing what the community thinks of direct drive.  There is not that much online.

Posted in Planning | 3 Comments »

December 23, 2006 by Rob.

2789 lbs.  Hopefully this is REALLY the right answer.  It makes more sense than other values I’ve found.  I know it is more than 2200 and less than 3700.

Posted in Conversion | No Comments »

December 22, 2006 by Rob.

Mark,

Thanks for the great advice! I wanted to give you a thought out answer to your question about my computer integration objectives.

First, you need to know that I write software for a living. The computer part is a BIG deal to me. My specialty is interfacing with control systems so I see the conversion as a platform for writing EV software.

I am NOT trying to write new controller logic or effect any of the safety systems. I believe that a very simple controller interface is enough for my objective. I’ll probably use more GPS data than motor data. I am most interested in providing useful UI for the driver, getting performance data, and learning how to improve the EV driving experience.

Posted in AustinEV, Planning | 1 Comment »

December 22, 2006 by Rob.

Mark,

Thanks for the great advice!  I wanted to give you a thought out answer
to your question about my computer integration objectives.

First, you need to know that I write software for a living.  The
computer part is a BIG deal to me.  My specialty is interfacing with
control systems so I see the conversion as a platform for writing EV
software.

I am NOT trying to write new controller logic or effect any of the
safety systems.   I believe that a very simple controller interface is
enough for my objective.  I’ll probably use more GPS data than motor
data.  I am most interested in providing useful UI for the driver,
getting performance data, and learning how to improve the EV driving
experience.

Posted in AustinEV, Conversion, EV Tech | No Comments »

December 21, 2006 by Rob.

I’ve posted the ICE on Craig’s List. Let’s hope it sells.

Good condition inline 4 cylinder Toyota RAV4 Engine
Model 3S-FE from 96 RAV4
150k miles

Still in car (so you can verify it works)
Buyer welcome to help remove engine and label parts

Additional combustion systems (exhaust, fuel) included if desired

It SOLD <1 hour! Maybe I was asking too little ($250).  Everyone who contacted me what to know WHY I would sell a working engine in a working car!  (my wife is asking the same question)

Posted in Conversion | No Comments »