Mike's 1993 Saturn SL2 - EV
OwnerMicheal Drewry
LocationPortland, Oregon US map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1993 Saturn SL2
A 1993 Saturn SL2 now fully electric and running like a dream
MotorAdvanced DC Advanced DC 8 Series Wound DC
DrivetrainOriginal 4 speed manual transmission
ControllerCurtis 1221
Batteries15 Trojan T-875, 8.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
64 lbs. each
System Voltage120 Volts
ChargerK and W Unknown
I've dumped the Russco charger. I'm using a loaner K&W from a friend until I get my new charger. It has arrived and is being installed now.
HeaterElectrical heater mounted where the original heater core was.
DC/DC ConverterSevcon Sevcon DC-DC Converter
InstrumentationWestach Gages: 50-150 Volt gage, 120 Volt state of charge gage, 0-400 Amps gage
Top Speed65 MPH (104 KPH)
I've had it up to 65 on the freeway. Most of my driving is locally on roads that top out around 45 mph.
AccelerationA bit sluggish for the first 2-4 seconds, but after that it is not bad. Not a racer, but fun to drive
Range35 Miles (56 Kilometers)
Hard to say what my range really is yet. With all the charger problems I've not had too many runs. Once the new charger is installed I'll update this number.
Watt Hours/MileUnknown
EV Miles
Start:139,492 Miles (224,442 Kilometers)
Current:139,900 Miles (225,099 Kilometers)
Total:408 Miles (656 Kilometers)
 
    As of 10/1/2008
Seating Capacity4 adults
Curb Weight3,250 Pounds (1,477 Kilograms)
Weight only increased about 450 lbs over the original car.
TiresStandard for now, looking into low rolling resistance tires soon.
Conversion TimeAbout 7 months.
Conversion Cost$10,000, including the cost of the car ($500 as it had a blown engine) May go higher if I have to purchase a new charger.
Additional FeaturesI have added vacuum pump and reservoir to help with my cars power breaks. I've added an SMC ZES1 presure switch that has a top and bottom range. Setting it to 20" top and 15" bottom lets me press the brakes 3-4 times before the pump comes on. Also, insulated and move the pump to the trunk helping minimize the noise. Its still the loudest part of the car so I'm looking for something quieter. I'm probably going to get a quieter one as soon as I can afford it.
All the batteries are under the hood (7) and under the floor of the trunk area (8) making this car as close to original look and function as possible. The trunk floor is about 2" higher than it was and I did loose the place for the spare tire.

First drive was January 20th, 2008!!!

code by jerry