[BenNelson]

OK, 2 out of 3 ain't bad.

I did an electric motorcycle conversion last summer.

Now, I want something just as simple to convert, but with a roof and more wheels on the ground. (Cycle just isn't good on Wisconsin snow!)

The natural next step seems to be a bare-bones economy car. Manual everything, automatic nothing. This would be a very inexpensive car frame.

I was also thinking that with a very small car like a Metro, a person could get away with less expensive, mass produced, golf-cart technology.

I have heard of Metros being done as 72V conversions. I would imagine that lower volt gear would cost less and be more common. All these EV parts are specialized and get expensive real fast.

Ideally, I would love to be able to get everything from:
The junkyard
Golf Cart Place
Car part store
Wal-Mart
Hardware Store

Metros are cheap enough that a person could buy a couple and put them together to make one working model.

I love what those guys did with the "Forkenswift" project.

I have a friend who is an engineer at a place that makes manlift scizzor trucks. I am hoping he can find me some big seconds motors, charger, etc.

Any ideas for making a really cheap/easy/practical econo-model EV?

-Ben

[ArJay]

Hey Ben ...

I'm thinking along the same lines...at least perhaps as a segway into the whole EV experience.

There does seem to be a few 72V Metro/Swifts around. From what I can tell they seem to be fairly functionable at that voltage. The old wilderness-ev kits do both a 48 and a 72V for the Metro which I'm guessing you've prob seen.

http://www.e-volks.com/electric_car_conversions.html

Keep us updated on your quest
Rory

[BenNelson]

Yeah, I saw that kit.

Seems real straight-forward. Relatively inexpensive.

I am going to start pestering my friend at the man-lift company to see if he can get me any cheap or used motors, chargers, or other parts.

[Brendonbosy]

If all your looking for is a roof, you might as well pick up one of these:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Mio5fTKqWgM&

[david85]

This is the version of that report that you want, very funny.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=HYtro7PnBA8&feature=related

[BenNelson]

Hey those little cars are cool!

I think even a Metro would be safer in a crash.

Gotta admire any car that you can pick up by the handle on the back.

Did you see in the video how the motorcyclist has to look DOWN to the car?

[rbgrn]

Wow. The Top Gear video was absolutely hilarious!