I'd love a Tesla. That, or an electric version of the Carver One, which is also awesome but for different reasons.


AC systems are usually more expensive, but regenerative braking is pretty much built in, so you can in theory have fewer batteries. And it depends on the company you buy the motor and such from - I've heard of a relatively cheap AC motor recently... it's tempting. Also AC systems tend to be high voltage (like 400volts), and low current, so you save weight by being able to use thinner, lighter wire.


At the moment I'm trying to save money while keeping an eye out for a donor vehicle (minis seem to be rarish over here in Perth), and gathering as much info as I can to plan ahead. Unfortunately with my Outback dead right now, I may have to put this off for a while.

Anyone seen this before?

640hp electric BMW MINI apparently!

http://www.worldcarfans.com/2060724.006/pml-builds-640hp-electric-mini

I believe Volvo are also looking at putting the electric motors on each wheel on one of their concept cars.

Absolutely briliant!

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"Not Speeding Officer..........Qualifying"

Good idea but I would be worried about equal power outputs down the track and what happens if one motor sh!ts itself? Also even on a car with 17ish inch wheels they've made the wheels sit out a few inches

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Respect mine and I'll respect yours.

I am about 75% complete on my electric mini conversion, hopefully be running by christmas. dont want to give to much away but it will be extremly quick. around 95 kw and 150Nm of torque from the get go. I should have my website up and running in a month or so, it will have all the info a pics on it.

Phill

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KillaWatt Converions


"E"Mini, 144volt, 600 amp, 86kw from the get go

That's not a BMW conversion IIRC -- it's a conversion completed by the company which makes the in-wheel electric motors. From memory this car has a motor in each wheel, which contributes to the inch or two increase in track front and rear. Otherwise it's got standard Bini suspension.

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Simon

The adventures of an owner builder in the Tallarook Ranges

I can't wait....

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Just a quick question Phill , have you done the normal and modified the mini gearbox to accept the electric motor or a different drive system ?

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im using a five speed gearbox with a slightly modified mini subframe, with a single motor to drive it. Im a big believer in keeping things as simple a possible. which suits the whole mini concept i guess!!!

The car will be able to be restored back to original if needed so no major chopping and modifying of the body is needed.

Phill

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KillaWatt Converions


"E"Mini, 144volt, 600 amp, 86kw from the get go

I realised it was an independent company that did the job I was just commenting that they have so much more room with wheels that size and they still stick out an inch either side. If they could make the motors an inch or so thinner I'd be happy, get those wheels ander the arches

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Respect mine and I'll respect yours.

Awesome! Good to know it's doable over here! heh.


Sadly Mini's seem to be quite rare over here in Perth - but I'm not going to be able to start for at least a year anyway, so I'm just keeping my eye on things right now.


I assume you're using a DC motor for your conversion? Most people who go for an AC system chuck the gearbox and have a direct-drive drivetrain (if not full hub-motors ). This is what I'm planning on doing, at least.


*edit*

Oh, and you should put your Mini up on the EV photo album, if you want. Quite a few interesting conversions there, but sadly no Minis that I can find!

Interesting....

Often thought about this type of thing in a mini but as often the case I only have funds for a limited number of projects, still have given it a moment or two's thought.



Can't Wait for more info Phill

The more I thought about an elec. mini the more it leads me towards this type of thing
http://www.plasmaboyracing.com/whitezombie.php
How fast do you think a mini shell could go if you were not to concerned about Rego and just focused on a track toy???