EV conversion

[redroadster]

Out of control ? Tesla Paris Taxi injures 20 maybe the autonomous controls said was stopped at a lite then accelerated fully

[Datsun.David]

The EV conversion game is going to get simpler and cleaner very quickly. The number of companies like EV West and Can EV that are pumping out hardware and adapters is growing daily as different marquee specialists step up to fill the void in each community. Eventually someone in the roadster community will jump in with both feet and we will have a plug and play solution with the support we now enjoy from icons like Michael Spreadbury and the SR20 conversions. Battery prices will continue to come down, so range will continue to increase. Infrastructure independent of OEM takeoffs will become more readily available so we won't all be scrambling to scavenge batteries from Leaf's and BMS systems from Bolt's and motors from Tesla... The hobby, like the automotive industry in general, will benefit from this diversification - and it will probably add longevity to our cars as younger generations have considerably higher familiarity with tech then with carbs... It is good for all of us. I am looking over my hoard and wondering which one to spark up...

[redroadster]

Are there many companies that will convert a vehicle originally gasoline to electric ? I dont know of one

[mpowers]

David, you are absolutely correct, EVs are coming more quickly than probably most realize and with that the more opportunity to use modern components. You mention carb tuning, as someone who bought my car almost a decade ago when I graduated college, this has been my only car with carbs and honestly I struggle to tune them. Now looking down some extensive engine work on 50+ year old technology, to me something new has to be done. Even SR and KA swaps are ancient technology at this point which is why I’m seriously considering the EV route. The leaf is appealing because it’s in the Nissan family and it’s the most plentiful and cheap parts. The thing that is the hardest to overcome is packaging the batteries without destroying the car. Adding 500+ lbs of weight while still keeping quick, nimble, fun to drive car is the biggest challenge. It seems most of the battery weight would go in the rear making the distribution way off of the original design drastically changing the driving dynamics - to me that’s the most serious risk. Weight wise battery technology won’t get drastically better in the next decade, probably get some a bit more range but not enough to solve the weight problem. New cars remedy this by putting all the batteries in the floor, but old cars can’t as easily. Although the Datsun with the body on frame construction is probably better off than most when it comes to space with the strong frame. Honestly I’m really curious how far anyone else has gotten with considering electric? It will eventually happen someday!

[Datsun.David]

Hey Marc -
I think you will find as you research that weight distribution is a pretty manageable situation. An electric motor is significantly lighter than the U20/R16 and the option of putting some batteries upfront, and some in the back can help balance things out. Overall, the Roadster architecture should lend itself to a straightforward conversion. Really, however, the sky is the limit in terms of how far you want to go. I intend to do one eventually that exceeds the factory roadster on all performance metrics... But, it will be a couple of years yet - I need to clear out 3 or 4 of the existing herd. Ultimately, guys are paying $50k plus for a well modified roadster with an SR20 drivetrain. I think budgeting $30-$40k for a high level roadster conversion would make for an exceptional car that I would bet would be extraordinarily well received - by all but the most antiquated of thinkers.

Look at Zelectric, Zero EV, EV West, Can EV... a lot of the heavy lifting is already done and things are only going to get easier!

[Mattk]

I’m looking at doing an EV con in the future once I get done with my ka con. I think it can be done and keep the original characteristics of the car albeit a tad heavier.

Cheers

[Gregs672000]

May the force be with you!

[eye]

I have thought about it and actually talked to EV West a while back. It is pretty expensive for all the components. I'm not scared of the packaging of the components or my insurance company. Just debating if it makes sense economically right now.

I have one project in the hopper to be finished by spring and maybe next winter sparks will fly. TBD.

Audi just won a Dakar stage with Carlos at the wheel. Pretty impressive.

Still nothing like the smell of VP on a summer morning.

[redroadster]

Look at the modifications clause in the insurance
Your insuring a 311 as it came from the manuf. They dont allow big changes , trans for instant must be original no manual for auto , other model trans /eng the same
A few slight mods are legal , wheels n tires , exhaust , its in the 14 p. contract

[eye]

OK, I'm done here.

[mpowers]

Good point about considering insurance. I contacted Hagerty and got the response that unless there's a kit or the work is done by a reputable shop that it is not insurable. However they did say depending on a persons qualifications their underwriting team may approve something homebuilt - so I may have a shot through that due to my background. I assume for all the other engine swaps this type of process doesn't exist even if replaced by a completely different engine?

[mpowers]

Using 2018 Nissan Leaf part info I found on A2mac and roadster metrics form this website I roughly calculated the weight distribution of the conversion:
Stock: F 56% R 44%
All 24 modules in rear: F 43.5% R 56.5%
6 modules in front: F 49% R 51%
No modules will fit under the floor of the car.
I just found this simulation tool online, I've never used it before but it seems somewhat accurate and much easier than doing calculations by hand!
I think it will be a challenge to get 6 modules in the front, but it would significantly help the weight distribution. 4 would probably fit.

[redroadster]

Hagarty told me they only insure cars to and from events( what you can do with a classic car plate )
Asked if I wanted at event damage insurance
Normal insurance your lumped in with other cars models like yours , if some have major accidents , the rates go up,
My neighbor used to be my car insurance provider

[Datsun.David]

@mpowers - very cool. I think that some careful fabrication could get you pretty close to 50/50. I actually wondered about a transaxle arrangement where you went with a rear engine configuration - there are several VW/Porsche systems out there and would free up the underhood for all the batteries... unconventional for sure... and not sure how the space would work... but just made me think... if you don't need a drive shaft... why put the motor up front? Heck, might open up some interesting AWD options...

[RedSkull]

I bought a 1970 1600 roadster last summer with the intent of converting it to an EV. I previously converted a ‘72 super beetle using a kit from EV West. It turned out great and it is real fun to drive with real torque. I have been fixing up the car before I start the conversion. My last step will be to upgrade the front brakes with ‘big brakes’ so I can stop before it goes fast.

I plan on using a similar setup with a hyper 9 motor and 5 Tesla model S batteries. Hopefully I can get three packs up front with the motor and two packs in the rear where the gas tank is. I have not found an adapter for the transmission so I might swap for a Z transmission. That’s is my next area of research. I am also getting advice from Moment motors in Austin that does conversions