On Converting a Vehicle:
There are two approaches that we recommend. One is the refurbishing approach where you purchase an operational or near operational EV and work on getting it operational. A number of our members have chosen this route. Our recommendation to them was to go to the EV Tradin' Post (http://www.austinev.org/evtradinpost/) as their first place to look. This will give you an idea of the current market. Some of the chapters maintain a separate 'For Sale' list. From time to time, eBay will auction off an EV. Some of the offerings are commercially made vehicles from the 1990's.
The second approach is to actually convert a vehicle all the way from extracting its Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and selling it, to selecting parts and installing them. There are kits available for some vehicle types. This later approach is more for the shade tree mechanic while the former approach is for someone with some mechanical skill who may need our help from time to time.
A third possible approach is contracting with a Professional Converter to convert the vehicle of your choice. There are several companies that do this sort of thing and we can help you in that direction. This is the most expensive approach.
No matter what approach you take, we suggest you do the following:
1. Purchase the book "Convert It" by Michael Brown and Shari Prange. It's a bit dated but the essentials are there. This has a lot of pictures, tips, and good sound advice. This is more for the hands on person.
2. As a supplement to "Convert It", there is, "Build Your Own Electric Vehicle" by Bob Brant; Tab Books. This book provides a foundation based on the the history, theory, equations pertaining to EVs. Later chapters delve into part sources, EV part types (pros and cons), from which you can develop an understanding of the internal workings of the parts you select. The actual conversion process is not as detailed as in "Convert It" but there are more alternative samples. Some people prefer "Convert It", some people perfer "Build Your Own Electric Vehicle".
3. Sign up at the Electric Vehicle Discussion List, http://www.evdl.org . This is a very active listserv for EVers. They are very helpful to newbies. From battery boxes to insurance and taxes, there is always someone who has "been there". They have an extensive archive. Expect 50 to 100+ emails a day.
4. To provide an idea of what has been converted, the EV Album at http://www.austinev.org/evalbum/ contains listings of over 800 vehicles that have been converted to electrics including some commercially made vehicles. Electric boats, scooters, and lawn mowers, etc. are also listed. Many of the listees have provided contact and web site information for contact purposes.The list goes from A to Z.
If you decide to do a conversion, here are some "pointers":
1. Keep it Simple (KISS). Try to stay away from Automatic Transmissions, Power Steering and Power Brakes. These items add complexity and cost to you getting your vehicle on the road. However, just because it has Power Steering and/or Power Brakes does not mean you should reject the vehicle. EVs are on the road with these features and are working perfectly well with them.
2. Start off with lead acid batteries. Most newbies ruin a battery or two. Lead Acid batteries are relatively inexpensive. When you go out to the EVDL, all the Gurus will recommend that you go this way before experimenting with NiMH, NiCad, LiIon, etc.
3. What type of lead acid battery is up to you. There are many opinions on this and a Google or EV archive search on this topic will produce volumes.
4. Make sure you have some sort of battery regulators/balancers such as the Lee Hart balancer or Rich Rudman regulators. This will help to keep your pack balanced and long lived.
5. You are welcome to come to any of our meetings. We are an informal bunch.
6. Join the EAAEV at http://www.eaaev.org Membership is tax deductible (503g) and if you select our chapter as your chapter, part of your donation will go fund our activities.
Here are some additional links that
you should find useful:
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/4214/links.html?200611