Open Source Civic EV Kit

OCTOBER 22, 2008

There were too many pieces to dimension everything, but I hope people get the idea of what I'm trying to accomplish. I drafted up a somewhat "exploded" model of the firewall rack. click on the image for a larger view) All the Google Sketchup files for these racks can be downloaded from the Files area of the Civic-EV Google Group.

Google 100

Google IDEA 100

Open Source Civic EV Kit

JANUARY 14, 2009

Since this vehicle is now road-worthy, I thought it might be a good idea to get it fully insured before I take too many long drives. Stay tuned. Getting insurance for an EV conversion is somewhat tricky.

Conversion 100

Conversion DC IDEA Auto 100

Open Source Civic EV Kit

JUNE 22, 2009

Thanks to all who responded for your ideas and well wishes. Someone over in the UK had their Belktronix charge detector blow up too with a lithium ion battery pack, so I hope this circuit can help them too. After my heated rant last night, I received several supportive e-mails and comments from people.

Lithium Ion 100

Lithium Ion IDEA Supplies Charging 100

Open Source Civic EV Kit

APRIL 11, 2008

I like the idea of using the TPS (throttle position sensor) on this instead of the PB-6 potbox that most people use in their EVs because I think the accelerator pedal feel will be much closer to the original. Here's the throttle body from the last car.

Kits 100

Kits Oregon Google Porsche 100

Open Source Civic EV Kit

NOVEMBER 8, 2008

In hindsight, I had to remove the driver's seat and it would have been a good idea to do it right at the start. I learned how to remove the center console cover by reading the Civic shop manual. Here I've removed the cover and am holding back the driver's seat to show a better view.

Installation 100

Installation IDEA Green Cars 100

Open Source Civic EV Kit

DECEMBER 3, 2008

Since I had all the wheels off, I felt it was a good idea to check the front brake pad thickness. You need to raise the rear support with a floor jack to put the car's weight on the spring before tightening all the bolts, otherwise it doesn't sit right. This is a close-up of the passenger side front wheel hub.

Google 100

Google IDEA Batteries Battery 100

Open Source Civic EV Kit

DECEMBER 3, 2008

It's a good idea to protect your multi-hundred-dollar investment of cable and lugs with a $7 bottle of Noalox. Make sure to smear the compound with the tip of the bottle all around the inside of the lug to get good protection. I also smeared a bunch of Noalox on the ends of each cable and worked the compound into the braids.

Batteries 100

Batteries Battery Connect Connected 100