the 1500 quid challenge
Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2007 9:05 pm
So I was talking to Nikki last night; and brought up the subject of conversions, and of cheap already-done conversions. And said that I'd ruled out the possibility of converting Brick on the basis of cost, but she should keep her eyes open for a cheap conversion that meets my needs (range of at least 40 miles (in winter), top speed of at least 65).
And I mentioned that I didn't think that you could convert a petrol car to an EV for 1500 quid (which is about the most I could possibly consider spending on a car, although to be fair I don't *actually* have that money, and it'd be partially funded by selling brick).
But her statement was, "you'd be surprised" (or words to that effect).
So my challenge is this; can it be done? Assuming that urgency is not the greatest consideration and that I'm quite happy to order from the US (using the highly favourable exchange rate) is it possible to spec a conversion for under 1500 quid? (I'm willing to daub my car in sponsorship logos, I have no shame )
I was expecting (in this range) to keep the gearbox (and clutch, since it's an easy thing to keep), and the car would probably weigh approx 750 kg (without the engine, but with gearbox / transmission / brakes). It does have to meet the minimum spec, which is:
- 65 mph max speed (minimum, faster'd be better since I travel on the M4 every day).
- Minimum range of 40 miles (in the dark in winter; I can't recharge at work), ideally I'd like a range nearer the distance to my mum's house (50 miles).
If it's even faintly feasible I'll dig out the drive ratios, it runs on 155/80 R13 tyres, so they're nice lowish rolling resistance. Structurally brick isn't perfect, but he's MOTable, and I've got friends in the VivaOC who've said they'll help with repairing the rust in the floorpan. The structural-chassis areas are actually not awful.
I can do the work myself to some degree, so it's really a parts-only cost. But I would imagine that the batteries'd probably come to more than my total cost, so... But hey, I thought I'd set you all a challenge
And I mentioned that I didn't think that you could convert a petrol car to an EV for 1500 quid (which is about the most I could possibly consider spending on a car, although to be fair I don't *actually* have that money, and it'd be partially funded by selling brick).
But her statement was, "you'd be surprised" (or words to that effect).
So my challenge is this; can it be done? Assuming that urgency is not the greatest consideration and that I'm quite happy to order from the US (using the highly favourable exchange rate) is it possible to spec a conversion for under 1500 quid? (I'm willing to daub my car in sponsorship logos, I have no shame )
I was expecting (in this range) to keep the gearbox (and clutch, since it's an easy thing to keep), and the car would probably weigh approx 750 kg (without the engine, but with gearbox / transmission / brakes). It does have to meet the minimum spec, which is:
- 65 mph max speed (minimum, faster'd be better since I travel on the M4 every day).
- Minimum range of 40 miles (in the dark in winter; I can't recharge at work), ideally I'd like a range nearer the distance to my mum's house (50 miles).
If it's even faintly feasible I'll dig out the drive ratios, it runs on 155/80 R13 tyres, so they're nice lowish rolling resistance. Structurally brick isn't perfect, but he's MOTable, and I've got friends in the VivaOC who've said they'll help with repairing the rust in the floorpan. The structural-chassis areas are actually not awful.
I can do the work myself to some degree, so it's really a parts-only cost. But I would imagine that the batteries'd probably come to more than my total cost, so... But hey, I thought I'd set you all a challenge