December 2, 2006 by Rob.

I was reading on the TX-DOT site that it is critical to keep a receipts and a log of all the parts that go into the conversion.  They need this as part of the “custom car” registration.  They also want to make sure that none of the parts are stolen.  Imagine - hot batteries.

Posted in Legal | 1 Comment »

December 2, 2006 by Rob.

Another advantage of a RAV4 for conversion is that there is A LOT of data on RAV4 EVs.  The RAV4 is Toyota’s choice for a production EV.  There are still some on the market because Toyota sold (not leased) the RAVs.  They were pulled from the market in ‘03.  My RAV4 predates Toyota’s EVs.
I am not planning to copy Toyota’s EV, but I will borrow spec information where possible.  My objective for this conversion is to get a operable car - not innovate.

Here are some links to RAV4 EV information:

• Seattle EVA RAV4 background info: http://www.seattleeva.org/wiki/Toyota_RAV4_EV
• Toyota’s RAV4 site: http://www.toyota.com/html/shop/vehicles/ravev/rav4ev_0_home/index.html
• EV Advocate: http://www.electrifyingtimes.com/Rav4_protest_korthof.html
• ‘02 RAV EV owner: http://evnut.com/

RAV4 EV Specs:

Electric Power Plant:
Voltage: 288
Horsepower: 67
Power: 50 kW
Battery Type: Ni-MH
Battery Modules: 24

Posted in Conversion | 1 Comment »

December 2, 2006 by Rob.

Last weekend we brought the car back from my In-Laws (below).  We decided that the ‘96 Toyota RAV4 was a better car for the project than the Z3.  I’m relieved because it has all manual accessories, a better suspension for batteries, and more room for working.  My wife is happy because it will have room to carry the whole family instead of just 2 of us.

Frankly, I’m pretty nervous about taking on this project and every simplification helps.

The RAV4 is in great shape.  It’s engine has produced 146k miles of C02 (approx 111,111 lbs worth) and is getting a little noisy (which we’ll correct in the conversion).

The car passed TX inspection so I’m going through the registration process next week.  I figured it would be easier to take care of all that before the conversion.  My target date for icing the ICE is just after xmas.

Posted in Planning | 1 Comment »