How easy would it be to convert a gasoline powered engine to a electric vehicle?

Question

I would like to take a small car like the Geo Metro and convert it to a electric car? Or a small pickup like a Chevy S-10 and convert it..any ideas on how to do this? Where could I get parts to do this at and plans?

Answer 1

Lots of people have done that with those very cars. Connect with them here http://www.evdl.org/ where there are also lots of resources. Those particular models are common so you might be able to find pre-made adapter plates.

Answer 2

You've been watching too many YouTube videos. There's a whiff of Discovery Channel in there, too. That 'pennies on the mile' would--and will--increase considerably when non-gasoline vehicles are compelled to pay their share of road taxes. But it doesn't matter much, because there aren't any electric cars in production right now. It's just websites consisting entirely of promises. I'd be most inclined to trust GM's estimate on the Chevy Volt: it'll be out in 2010--maybe. Of course you can buy cars that have been converted to electric power: there have always been a few floating around eBay. They're notoriously difficult to deal with.

Answer 3

I saw on TV last night a guy who did just this. He took out the engine, replaced it with an electric motor. He had 4 batteries in the front and 9 in the trunk.

The car reached highway speeds with great acceleration.

I'm sure you can find the idea on the web.

Answer 4

Funny you should mention the Chevy S10.
Check this out:
http://web.archive.org/web/20070527120107/http://www.evbones.com/

Did you know that GM made a factory electric S10 for a while?

Converting one by yourself is involved. Depending on power and range you wanted you could expect to spend $5,000-$20,000 on the conversion. Also weeks if not months of work to get it all done.

If you are interested, and up the challenge, a lot of good parts can be found here:
http://www.metricmind.com/

Also, these guys are worth a look:
http://www.acpropulsion.com/
(Their eBox Scion conversion can be bought as a finished product, and they also sell parts)

Answer 5

I don't think it would be that easy. You would have to replace the complete engine with an electric motor, and find somewhere to store the large number of batteries that would be required for energy storage. Likely the chassis would need modification.

Answer 6

find a local group for advice and to help with sourcing parts.
in the UK the Battery Vehicle Society http://www.batteryvehiclesociety.org.uk

there is a Yahoo group who can guide you search for diy_ev

Bob Brant's book will give lots of advice on design
http://www.amazon.com/Build-Your-Own-Electric-Vehicle/dp/0830642323/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197551451&sr=8-1

Answer 7

rip out the petrol engine

Then ..........?

we are talking solar panels,, dynamos on the axles and wheels,

Plus maybe some form of mains charging for topping up the battery

some electric cars can go very fast

Answer 8

Ita a good way to stop the environmental pollution. But it would not be able to compete with gasoline powered ones for speed and efficincy. Good if u would manage to make one.

Answer 9

Its expensive

Answer 10

U are joking aren't U ????