Dual AC MotorsEngine CompartmentFront Compartment
OwnerRoger White
LocationLivermore, California US map
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Vehicle1986 Pontiac Fiero GT
MotorABM 4 DGF132Md-4 3-Phase AC
Semi-custom low voltage AC motor from ABM Greiffenberger used in the forklift industry. Bought from ABM Drives Inc. in Ohio, ABM P/N 191.635.000. With an 84V battery and 550A controller, each motor will put out about 45Hp. Peak torque is about 110 ft-lbs each. Max rpm is about 6000rpm.
DrivetrainMid engine, Dual AC electric motors belted together and connected to a clutch and the original 5 speed transmission.
ControllerCurtis 1238-6501
48-84V 550A 3 phase AC induction motor controller. One is used for each motor.
Batteries14 Odyssey PC2150, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, AGM
Two strings of 7 in parallel.
System Voltage84 Volts
ChargerManzanita Micro PFC-30
Universal input 30A in, 40A out
HeaterNone.
DC/DC ConverterCurtis 1400E 72/96-1211
22A output
InstrumentationSpeedometer
Tachometer
Main battery voltmeter
12V battery voltmeter
Motor/Controller temperature
Battery state of charge gauge
Shift light (programmable)
Check Engine light for fault codes

All the instrumentation is OEM and driven through an opto-isolator by the Curtis 1238-6501 controller.
Top Speed90 MPH (144 KPH)
Not yet tested. Highest speed run so far is 90 mph and it was still accelerating pretty quickly.
Acceleration0-60 mph in about 11 sec
Will do a modest burnout in first gear. NEDRA SC/G record set on 17-Nov-07 with both battery packs in. I ran 4 runs with no charging (the fouth was just as quick as the first) and still could run over 20 miles afterwards.
1/8th mile: 11.409 sec @ 59.824 mph
1/4th mile: 18.028 sec @ 74.269 mph
Range30 Miles (48 Kilometers)
About 30 miles at 45-55 mph in stop and go traffic.
Watt Hours/Mile370 Wh/Mile
Measured at the wall for normal driving at 60 mph including full accelerations.
EV Miles
Start:148,972 Miles (239,695 Kilometers)
Current:150,111 Miles (241,528 Kilometers)
Total:1,139 Miles (1,832 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity2 adults
Curb Weight3,780 Pounds (1,718 Kilograms)
Front 1670 lbs, Rear 1710 lbs, Same 44%/56% weight distribution as original but about 1000 lbs heavier.
TiresStill what I bought the car with.
Conversion TimeAbout 500 hours spread over 2 years.
Conversion CostTotal around $16k.
Motors $1k each.
Batteries $3k
Donor car $4k
Controllers $1k each
Charger $2k
Suspension and brake upgrades $2k
This car was built using 84V AC forklift motors and controllers which are cheaper than some other AC options. I got this on the road for the first time in August 2007. Since then I have had to improve the motor mounts after the motors ripped themselves loose and replace the battery they damaged. I am slowly working on the rest of it, but driving it as I go.

I have had some problems with the Odyssey 2150 batteries. I vented one when running around 1400A from one pack repeatedly for relatively short cycles (~30seconds) with short rests (~30 seconds). I also damaged one due to charging imbalances and am now working on getting voltage regulators in on each battery.

code by jerry