STI_Wolf Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 My dad was rambling on today about making an electric car, and suggested a Subaru hatch for the project? Anyone think it would be a practical idea? Discuss! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 There were pictures posted a few years ago of a Gen 1 coupe or sedan that was converted to electric. Wasn't cheap IIRC, but it was pretty neat. Retained the 5 speed front wheel drive and adapted an electric motor to it. GD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redcap Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 A couple of 9" DC motors would work pretty well. You would need an adapter between the motors and trans...the motors would also probably need to be re-phased. They would require a motor controller and charge controller, since you would probably end up running around 96-144VDC to the motors, but keep 12VDC to all the accessories. Of course, there would be all the nickel and dime stuff too. It would be a large project, but pretty cool as an end result. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crockettbrat Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 Sure it could work. Just like any other front wheel drive ev setup. I dont know if driving the rear wheels would eat the batteries faster or not, but it would seem like it to me, but if thats the case just keep it in fwd loose the rear driveline and fill up the boot with batteries. I'm toying around with an electric motorcycle, but its way on the back burner right now behind a few other car projects. I hope your dad goes for it. Keep us posted please if he does. Daniel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 Its been done before, conversion is a bit pricey but very doable. I would stick with FWD for range. If you do AWD you will loose range. Googel EV World or EV conversions or electric car conversions. Lots of info out there. nipper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bheinen74 Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 lots and lots of batteries needed. lots of charging to keep them fresh. can't let batteries freeze in the winter, etc current battery technology not good enough, too many charge cycles eats them. replacement needed all the time can't use older batteries I want to do this to my BRAT when we get tiny micro batteries, lay them in the bed of the BRAT and charge them via a solar panel on top of them. gotta wait for technology to get there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferox Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 (edited) Curb weights from the two FSMs I have: 87-88 (Gen 1) Justy: 2WD DL = 1,655 lb 2WD GL = 1,675 lb 4WD GL = 1,785 lb (5MT)(Gen 1 4WD only produced in '88, all '87s are 2WD) '81 Hatch: 2WD DL = 2,025 lb 2WD GL = 2,130 lb 4WD GL = 2,215 lb [EDIT] The Gen 1 Justy also came with 12" wheels stock, many have been switched to 13", but there are still plenty of the 12's out there. It is definitely much easier to find 155 and 145 sized tires for the 12" wheel size. Edited August 12, 2009 by ferox Additional thoughts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveAP Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 My local mechanic converted a 60's vw bug to electic. Says it is around 40 lbs. heavier because of the batterys. Pretty cool though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eVIL_NTT Posted August 12, 2009 Share Posted August 12, 2009 lots and lots of batteries needed. lots of charging to keep them fresh. can't let batteries freeze in the winter, etc current battery technology not good enough, too many charge cycles eats them. replacement needed all the time can't use older batteries I want to do this to my BRAT when we get tiny micro batteries, lay them in the bed of the BRAT and charge them via a solar panel on top of them. gotta wait for technology to get there. Some good Marine Grade batteries would do the trick. Battery technology isn't what it could be, but has come along way in just the last decade. The "secret" to the marine batteries is to never let them loose their charge completely, that is what really kills them... and letting them freeze. A trickle charge from a solar panel along with plug-in capabilites would be needed... and a battery warmer if you plan on being in the snow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Txakura Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 http://electricvehicleswa.com/index.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 http://www.evdl.org/archive/index.html#nabble-td16961593 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zukiru Posted August 13, 2009 Share Posted August 13, 2009 I would love to do this to my XT DL but it's just over my head price wise. and I would want a replacement for her first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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