Open Source Civic EV Kit
APRIL 7, 2008
After spending the past year and a half converting a Porsche 914 to an electric vehicle, I decided to expand my horizons by designing an open-source electric vehicle (EV) conversion kit for a commonly used car. Unfortunately, these kits are for much older vehicles like the Porsche 914 and the VW Rabbit.
Porsche 914 EV Conversion
FEBRUARY 24, 2007
So, given that it's cold and rainy for a few months and I have the suspension, I decided to start the conversion, despite not having all the parts from ElectroAuto yet. Maybe I'll take a day off to go to A & P as well as Farwest Golf Carts to pick up some old 8V golf cart batteries for desulfation testing.
Porsche 914 EV Conversion
FEBRUARY 18, 2007
I'll have to modify the circuit with a voltage doubler in the final stage to work with 8-volt golf-cart batteries for the 914 EV kit. By clicking on the images, you can get a much larger version of the pictures. Any feedback on how to improve the circuit would be welcome.
Porsche 914 EV Conversion
JANUARY 20, 2007
They finally responded last night and apparently they're completely buried under the demand for EV conversion kits. On a brighter note, John Benson (who lives a ten minute drive away) showed me his 914 EV conversion car today. It looks like this is going to take some patience.
Porsche 914 EV Conversion
MAY 1, 2007
The 914 AC kit uses 8V golf cart batteries and I'm wondering if different batteries like Hawkers or Optima Yellow-Top batteries would be better. Both US-Battery and Trojan have 8-volt golf-cart batteries. With the AC system, I'll probably be pulling less amps and am looking forward to the extended range.
Porsche 914 EV Conversion
AUGUST 5, 2007
I'm not sure how much current these golf cart batteries are designed for. I think people experience cognitive dissonance when they see a little red Porsche sports car being the slowest car on the road. The battery voltage sunk from 152 volts at rest down to 132 volts after awhile during heavy acceleration.
Porsche 914 EV Conversion
JUNE 5, 2007
After much time on the phone with UPS Freight, the 8-volt golf cart batteries finally showed up today! Although the Bill of Lading clearly stated that this was a residence requiring a liftgate, UPS seemed to overlook that part of the order. Here's the semi that showed up at my doorstep to block off the street.
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