OwnerZeke Yewdall
Owner's Other EV1973 Volkswagen Super Beetle
LocationWard, Colorado United States map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1974 Ford Courier
Motor 3-Phase AC
I am trying out the 8" AC motor and AC-31 controller from Curtiss... a little underpowered for what would be recommended for this size vehicle... but it is more than the original gas engine. We'll see how it does.
Drivetrainstock rear end 4.11:1 ratio, stock 4 speed transmission (4.02:1 1st gear, 1:1 4th gear), 8" AC motor, with clutch
ControllerCurtis AC-31
108 volt 500A
Batteries6.00 Volt, Nickel-Cadmium, Flooded
Got a bank of 180AH Saft NiCad batteries that I'm going to try out for it. Weight isn't much less than a lead acid bank would be, however, the tolerance for cold and deeper discharges should be a bit better.
System Voltage96 Volts
Charger
I'm trying out one of the multi-voltage PFC corrected chargers from Ryan and EVsource.
HeaterElectric demand water heater plumbed into existing heater core is the plan
DC/DC Converter
To be determined
InstrumentationE-vision, and a battery monitor from CasaDelGato systems.
Top SpeedHopefully 65 mph or so. Though the speed limit on the road to my house is only 35 mph.
Accelerationhmmmm. not sure yet
RangeShooting for a 25 mile range... gaining 4,000 feet elevation over those 25 miles. Might have to go to a lithium bank to achieve that....
Watt Hours/MileUnknown
EV Miles
Start:36 Miles (57 Kilometers)
Current:36 Miles (57 Kilometers)
Total:0 Miles (0 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity2 adults, or me and the 120lb dog.
Curb Weight0
2,600lbs before the conversion. GVWR is 4,000lbs, so the goal is to come in under that when done.
Tires195/75/R14
Conversion Time14 years so far. But not much real work on till this winter.
I first thought of this project back in 1995 when I got this truck -- didn't do much till summer '06 when I removed all the ICE stuff. This spring (09) I rented a workshop in town (no heated garage, and 50mph blowing snow makes working outside in the winter a bit of a drag :)

The motor, controller, battery charger, monitoring, etc, are sitting in the workshop now. Waiting on the transmission adaptor plate and the batteries so I can start assembly.


Last updated Feb 23, 2009

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