1997 Solectria Force1997 Solectria Force
OwnerTodd Martin
LocationElgin, Illinois US map
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Vehicle1997 Geo Metro
(Solectria Force)
White exterior, gray interior
MotorAzure Dynamics/Solectria ACgtx20 3-Phase AC
34kW max, 12kW nominal, peak Torque 70Nm
DrivetrainSingle gear reduction (10:1). Model AT1200
ControllerAzure Dynamics/Solectria AC325
156-180vDC, 45kW@180v
Batteries13 Deka Dominator, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, AGM
Size is Group 27, Model 8G27
System Voltage156 Volts
ChargerBrusa NLG511SX
3.3kW max 12 to 240 VAC input
HeaterCeramic Heater integrated into car's ventilation system.
DC/DC ConverterAzure Dynamics/Solectria DC-DC575
575 Watt max. with 100-200 Volt input, 12 Volt output up to 46 Amps.
InstrumentationDigital Amp-Hour meter
Dual Volt/Ammeter.
Top Speed70 MPH (112 KPH)
Acceleration0 to 50 MPH in 18 seconds
0 to 30 MPH in 8 seconds
Range50 Miles (80 Kilometers)
Watt Hours/Mile137 Wh/Mile
EV Miles
Start:9,500 Miles (15,285 Kilometers)
Current:35,000 Miles (56,315 Kilometers)
Total:25,500 Miles (41,029 Kilometers)
 
    As of 11/23/2009
Seating Capacity5 Adults
Curb Weight2,460 Pounds (1,118 Kilograms)
TiresWas Dunlop SP40 A/S
P155/80 R13 79S
Pressure kept at 40psi (lasted 20,000 miles before wearing down to steel belts)

Now Sumitomo HTR200 P175/70 R13 82H (using same rims) initial 15% loss in efficiency. Hope it improves.
Conversion TimeN/A
Conversion Cost$9500.00 bought on Ebay in April 2006
Additional FeaturesAir Conditioning, separate electric motor & controller by Solectria runs the compressor (belt driven).
Programmable pre-heating.
Battery thermal management system (auto-heat or cool)
Removed passenger side mirror.
AVCON inlet
Backup beeper.


This vehicle was originally purchased for the New Jersey Project: power commute.

In 3-1/2 years of ownership & 25000 miles, I replaced:

throttle return spring
throttle cable with a bicycle brake cable
3 batteries (all in rear compartment).
The original Brusa NLG4 charger with a Brusa NLG5
Heat & Air conditioning control switch
New Tires, Struts, headlight assembly, brakes

code by jerry