Question:

Are there any electric cars on the market with a decent range and safety rating?

by  |  earlier

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Preferably, not too tragic to look at.

A link and a price would be nice.

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11 ANSWERS


  1. The one EV car I currently have (have 2 vehicles that run on hydrogen also) I converted from a vw bug and is free to charge. As I live completely off the grid all my electricity comes from solar panels and 2 wind generators, which I also built.

    However I did charge up at Costco in Carlsbad California (I actually only drove up there to fill up) if I remember right it was around $2.00

    Not sure if you’re interesting in doing it yourself, but I’d be willing to walk you step by step threw the conversion. I've converted 3 of my own cars (a datsun truck, ford ban, and a vw bug) and a few for neighbors. I've also converted cars to run on hydrogen, ethanol and biodiesel, by far EV is the easiest.

    If you’re interested here’s what it would entitle…

    - The engine compartment is first cleaned out of any gasoline components.

    - Electric components are then installed in exchange.

    - A battery bank is built and incorporated.

    - Existing starter and driving systems are connected.

    - Turn the key, step on the gas pedal sending more energy to the electric motor, & thus more power to the drive system, which in return creates more speed, more acceleration.

    - The system has normal automotive top speeds and acceleration, typical to the vehicle your modifying. If your top speed was 85 mph and your acceleration was 1 mile per min, then this will be what your left with after the conversion.

    The methods are extremely simple, making the process possible for anyone, everyone, ANYWHERE.

    Typical tools, hardware & supplies are used, making access to parts available for all.

    Electric Conversions can be easily accomplished in ANY model vehicle, even tractors, Generators, types of machinery, etc.

    Project lengths range from 1 day to 1 month.

    If you’re interested I wrote a guide on it which is available at www agua-luna com

    My last EV conversion ran me about $1400. Everything is available online. I have a how to do it yourself guide available at www agua-luna com that will walk you step by step through the process. If you have ANY questions feel free to contact me through the site. Here’s a list of what you'd need...

    Advanced DC Motor

    The motor is an 8" Advanced DC series-wound motor. It weighs 107 pounds and is rated at 68 peak horsepower. These motors are available in several sizes.



    Adaptor plate

    The adaptor plate mates the motor to the transmission. It is constructed of 1/2 inch aluminum and is pre-drilled with bolt hole patterns for both the motor and transmission. An aluminum spacer is also used for proper spacing between the shafts of the transmission and motor. Adaptor plates are available for many cars.

    DC Motor Controller

    The controller regulates current going to the motor. It is a solid-state device that uses a pulse width modulator (PWM) that sends short bursts of current to the motor at a rate of 15 kHz. Controllers are available from both Curtis and DCP.

    Potbox (Potentiometer)

    The potbox is a 5K ohm throttle between the controller and the accelerator, similar to the way a sewing machine pedal works. The potbox's lever arm is attached to the existing accelerator cable.

    Main Contactor

    An electric relay that serves the same purpose as the ignition switch in a gas car. When the key is turned to the start position, the contactor closes the circuit to allow current to flow to the controller.

    Circuit Breaker

    A safety device that shuts down power for servicing or during an emergency. The circuit breaker is installed under the hood and can be switched both off and on from the drivers seat with an extension or cable.



    Main Fuse

    The main fuse protect the system from high voltage spikes. A fuse should be installed at each battery box or group of batteries.



    Shunt

    A shunt is placed in series within the wiring as a means to connect meters. Shunts are available in different sizes for both high and low power configurations.

      

    Charger interlock

    A relay that keeps the circuit open so nobody will inadvertantly drive off with the charge cord plugged into the car.



    DC/DC Converter

    The DC/DC converter is similar in function to a gas car's alternator. It charges the 12 volt accessory battery by chopping voltage from the main battery pack down to 13.5 volts.

    If you interested I offer several DIY alternative guides to walk you step by step threw EV conversion process at agua-luna com or

    www agua-luna com

    Hope this helped, feel free to contact me personally if you have any questions if you’d like assistance in making your first self sufficient steps, I’m willing to walk you step by step threw the process. I’ve written several how-to DIY guides available at  www agua-luna com on the subject. I also offer online and on-site workshops, seminars and internships to help others help the environment.

    Dan Martin

    Alterative Energy / Sustainable Consultant, Living 100% on Alternative & Author of How One Simple Yet Incredibly Powerful Resource Is Transforming The Lives of Regular People From All Over The World... Instantly Elevating Their Income & Lowering Their Debt, While Saving The Environment by Using FREE ENERGY... All With Just One Click of A Mouse...For more info Visit:  

    www AGUA-LUNA com

    Stop Global Warming!!!


  2. Also you have to consider the charge time of the battery!...

    However it's not really important for electric scooters.

  3. Electric cars are not green.  The electricity to charge the vehicle comes mostly from coal or oil burning power plants.

    "According to a 2005 report from the WWF, coal power stations are at the top of the List of least carbon efficient power stations in terms of the level of carbon dioxide produced per unit of electricity generated.  The combustion of fossil fuels contributes to acid rain, global warming, and air pollution due to the impurities and chemical composition of the fuel (electricity generation is responsible for 41 percent of US manmade carbon dioxide emissions)."

    "

  4. NO !!!

  5. The one EV car I currently have (have 2 vehicles that run on hydrogen also) I converted from a vw bug and is free to charge. As I live completely off the grid all my electricity comes from solar panels and 2 wind generators, which I also built.

    However I did charge up at Costco in Carlsbad California (I actually only drove up there to fill up) if I remember right it was around $2.00

    Not sure if you’re interesting in doing it yourself, but I’d be willing to walk you step by step threw the conversion. I've converted 3 of my own cars (a datsun truck, ford ban, and a vw bug) and a few for neighbors. I've also converted cars to run on hydrogen, ethanol and biodiesel, by far EV is the easiest.

    If you’re interested here’s what it would entitle…

    - The engine compartment is first cleaned out of any gasoline components.

    - Electric components are then installed in exchange.

    - A battery bank is built and incorporated.

    - Existing starter and driving systems are connected.

    - Turn the key, step on the gas pedal sending more energy to the electric motor, & thus more power to the drive system, which in return creates more speed, more acceleration.

    - The system has normal automotive top speeds and acceleration, typical to the vehicle your modifying. If your top speed was 85 mph and your acceleration was 1 mile per min, then this will be what your left with after the conversion.

    The methods are extremely simple, making the process possible for anyone, everyone, ANYWHERE.

    Typical tools, hardware & supplies are used, making access to parts available for all.

    Electric Conversions can be easily accomplished in ANY model vehicle, even tractors, Generators, types of machinery, etc.

    Project lengths range from 1 day to 1 month.

    If you’re interested I wrote a guide on it which is available at www agua-luna com

    My last EV conversion ran me about $1400. Everything is available online. I have a how to do it yourself guide available at www agua-luna com that will walk you step by step through the process. If you have ANY questions feel free to contact me through the site. Here’s a list of what you'd need...

    Advanced DC Motor

    The motor is an 8" Advanced DC series-wound motor. It weighs 107 pounds and is rated at 68 peak horsepower. These motors are available in several sizes.

    Adaptor plate

    The adaptor plate mates the motor to the transmission. It is constructed of 1/2 inch aluminum and is pre-drilled with bolt hole patterns for both the motor and transmission. An aluminum spacer is also used for proper spacing between the shafts of the transmission and motor. Adaptor plates are available for many cars.

    DC Motor Controller

    The controller regulates current going to the motor. It is a solid-state device that uses a pulse width modulator (PWM) that sends short bursts of current to the motor at a rate of 15 kHz. Controllers are available from both Curtis and DCP.

    Potbox (Potentiometer)

    The potbox is a 5K ohm throttle between the controller and the accelerator, similar to the way a sewing machine pedal works. The potbox's lever arm is attached to the existing accelerator cable.

    Main Contactor

    An electric relay that serves the same purpose as the ignition switch in a gas car. When the key is turned to the start position, the contactor closes the circuit to allow current to flow to the controller.

    Circuit Breaker

    A safety device that shuts down power for servicing or during an emergency. The circuit breaker is installed under the hood and can be switched both off and on from the drivers seat with an extension or cable.

    Main Fuse

    The main fuse protect the system from high voltage spikes. A fuse should be installed at each battery box or group of batteries.

    Shunt

    A shunt is placed in series within the wiring as a means to connect meters. Shunts are available in different sizes for both high and low power configurations.

    Charger interlock

    A relay that keeps the circuit open so nobody will inadvertantly drive off with the charge cord plugged into the car.

    DC/DC Converter

    The DC/DC converter is similar in function to a gas car's alternator. It charges the 12 volt accessory battery by chopping voltage from the main battery pack down to 13.5 volts.

    If you interested I offer several DIY alternative guides to walk you step by step threw EV conversion process at agua-luna com or

    www agua-luna com

    Hope this helped, feel free to contact me personally if you have any questions if you’d like assistance in making your first self sufficient steps, I’m willing to walk you step by step threw the process. I’ve written several how-to DIY guides available at www agua-luna com on the subject. I also offer online and on-site workshops, seminars and internships to help others help the environment.

    Dan Martin

    Alterative Energy / Sustainable Consultant, Living 100% on Alternative & Author of How One Simple Yet Incredibly Powerful Resource Is Transforming The Lives of Regular People From All Over The World... Instantly Elevating Their Income & Lowering Their Debt, While Saving The Environment by Using FREE ENERGY... All With Just One Click of A Mouse...For more info Visit:

    www AGUA-LUNA com

    Stop Global Warming!!!

  6. There is of course the Tesla Roadster, if you've got $100k.

    The link below should be of service.

  7. not really in the UK (although the Tesla mentioned is build by Lotus in Norfolk). There are some delivery vans and scooters out there.

    The best places to look for the latest news are the Battery Vehicle Society http://www.batteryvehiclesociety.org.uk/...

    and http://www.evuk.co.uk

  8. Not many choices out there yet. But I'm looking forwar to see the vehicles  that Phoenix Motors in Sounthern California puts out. Their 2 trucks look like their better suited for everyday drivers.

    http://www.phoenixmotorcars.com/index.ph...

  9. no...chevy and toyota will have a plug in in 2009 or 2010

  10. aixam mega!!

    the electric mega vehicle, i think theres some on ebay.

    good car but the aftersales service is rubbish, parts take ages to come (month +) servicing the thing only at garages that are prepared, customer support is useless.

    but a good car none the less!!

  11. Not on the market yet, but check out Aptera at aptera.com.  It is an electric starting at $26,900.  In terms of looks, most people like what they are used to or familiar with, so this design, which is in the form follows function camp, will look weird, futuristic or ridiculous to many.

    Also, the post that said EV's are not green linked to a Wikipedia site that indicated electric vehicles are at least 55% more efficient than internal combustion engines.  All transportation choices involve some use of energy, although bicycling is the most efficient.

    Jon

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