OwnerJohn Shepley
Owner's Other EV1979 Jet ElectraVan
LocationBaltimore, Maryland US map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1988 Mazda RX-7 Convertible
Bought the car for EV conversion. It had a non-running engine and had been set up for autocross racing. So it came with heavy duty springs in front, and upgraded brakes.
MotorAzure Dynamics/Solectria AC-24LS 3-Phase AC
DrivetrainOriginal 5-speed transmission, directly coupled to the AC24LS motor. Custom made adapter plate and coupling.
ControllerAzure Dynamics/Solectria DMOC544
Batteries20 Crown 130 A-H, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
20 x 130 AH batteries cost $2,200.
System Voltage240 Volts
ChargerZivan NG3
240 VAC input. It draws about 10 Amps.
HeaterNone
DC/DC ConverterAzure Dynamics/Solectria
Instrumentation* 0-100% State of Charge gauge
* 6-16V Aux Battery Volts
* +/- 200A Ammeter
* Car computer from MP3Car.com
* 7 inch transflective touchscreen embedded in center console in place of original radio
* LabJack UE-9 Data Acquisition device monitors & records EV and car parameters
Top SpeedHaven't gone flat out yet.
AccelerationHuh?
RangeThe batteries are still a break in period. Range is far less than expected though, so far,
EV Miles
Start:212,000 Miles (341,108 Kilometers)
Current:212,120 Miles (341,301 Kilometers)
Total:120 Miles (193 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity2 adults
Conversion TimeAbout 8 weeks from purchase to first test drives. A friend who is a machinist & very skilled mechanic did the majority of the work, while he was temporarily laid off.
Conversion Cost* RX-7 Base Car: $1,200
* EV kit (Motor, controller, DC/DC Converter, all supplies): $10,909
* Batteries: $2,203
* Generator + Trailer: $2,858
* Computer & Display & Accessories: $1,800
* Pay for friend who converted it: $3,000
* All other supplies & Accessories: ~3,600

This was Partially funded by a grant from the Maryland Energy Administration: $17,000
Additional Features* Regenerative braking
* Momentary Regeneration Disable button on shifter knob to allow shifting.
* New dash Center Console, modified for 7" Monitor
* Deleted Flywheel & Clutch, Motor is direct connected
* Car computer controls:
*** Hybrid Engine Operation
*** Monitors and records all EV, Hybrid, and environmental parameters
*** GPS (DeLorme LT-20)
*** PC Capable Sirius Satellite Radio,
*** MP3s
* Car Computer runs 'RideRunner' front end SW and DaqFactory Instrumentation SW.

code by jerry