Drivetrain swapSee-through platformTransparent platform
OwnerFrank Dobbs
LocationCarlsbad, California United States map
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Vehicle1995 Mercedes Benz E320 Cabriolet
Heavy for an EV, but I removed the folding top and
related hardware - and managed to shed 400 pounds!
MotorNetgain WarP11 Series Wound DC
Bought used locally. Had been set up for racing - had been cooled with pumped ATF! Not any more. Had the fan impeller installed and will run a forced air kit.
DrivetrainWarP11 mounted to MBZ 5spd OD trans. An automatic
transmission conversion to manual on top of the EV
conversion!
ControllerNetGain Controls WarP Drive Industrial
Upgraded to 260V/1400A. **Desperate for help here!** I've listened in on the CAN BUS and am NOT seeing any of the codes the literature lists. DTC # 3 & NO HELP from NGC. Not happy with them. Project has stopped.
Batteries82 Voltronics 160Ah, 3.30 Volt, Lithium Iron Phosphate
Again bought used locally. Bottom balancing complete. Capacity testing pending a cool prototype wireless BMS system!
System Voltage270 Volts
ChargerManzanita Micro PFC-50
Upgraded with Digi-pot, digital display, and full J1772 protocol interface
HeaterNone yet (it's San Diego!)
DC/DC ConverterMeanwell HRP-600-12
InstrumentationFuel guage driver, true tachometer, plus tablet with Torque running or similar
Top Speed80 MPH (128 KPH)
The coupe reportedly has a Cd of 0.29 - but with no top who knows. Hopefully under 0.36 and not a total brick.
AccelerationPending. Probably better than the stock ICE 170HP L6. Weakest link might be the 160Ah cells.
Range40 Miles (64 Kilometers)
Estimated - assuming lead foot
Watt Hours/Mile400 Wh/Mile
Estimated
EV Miles
Start:200 Miles (321 Kilometers)
 
    As of 11/10/2015
Seating Capacity2 adults (back seat now houses half of traction pack)
Curb Weight4,100 Pounds (1,863 Kilograms)
Downright bariatric - but plenty of room for cells at least
TiresP225/60R16 Pirelli P7
Conversion TimeApproaching 2 years in free time
Conversion CostDon't want to know
Drove the car 2 years as an ICE and really enjoyed it. Wanted to find a donor Z4, but couldn't find one with a bad engine. My engine was running fine, but when the catalyst started to clog I decided WTH - why not convert my own heavy sled instead.

code by jerry