OwnerNathan Stowe
LocationBrookfield, Illinois US map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1988 Mazda RX7 convertible
MotorAdvanced DC 4001 Series Wound DC
ControllerCurtis 1231C
Batteries12 Trojan T-1275, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
System Voltage144 Volts
ChargerZivan k2
10 amp IUI
Heaterceramic
DC/DC Converter
30 amp battery charger
Instrumentationcombo watt-h meter, v, amps.
Top Speed75 MPH (120 KPH)
I have had it up to 75. Theoretically it should do ~82.
AccelerationNot bad.
Range30 Miles (48 Kilometers)
Approximate range for in-city traffic. It would be more on the highway or if I babied it.
Watt Hours/Mile325 Wh/Mile
Average over 7 mile trips to work.
EV Miles
Start:171,000 Miles (275,139 Kilometers)
Current:172,800 Miles (278,035 Kilometers)
Total:1,800 Miles (2,896 Kilometers)
 
    As of 10/21/2009
Seating Capacity2 adults
Curb Weight3,800 Pounds (1,727 Kilograms)
based on original weight and weight removed/added.
Tires18" aluminum
Conversion Time8 months with a few evenings and some weekends. The hardest part was welding in the boxes for the batteries.
Conversion Cost~$5.25k, but the main components were purchased used and this does not include the cost of my time.
Additional FeaturesDid I mention it is a convertible!!!
Initial comments: When I drove it for the first time, I could not stop smiling and laughing. The EV grin that people talk about is really understated. Especially if you throw in the mad scientist laugh. Mwhaaahaaaahaaa! (Corny, but fun)

After a year: It is still fun to drive the car. I have been driving it to work for quite some time now. The only problem that I have had so far was needing to replace the master cylinder for the brakes. Funny that this has nothing do do with the EV, but rather being a 20 year old car.

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