[Jay-Fazed]

Hello,
I have been lurking for a few yrs now and think i will actually post for once. I am considering building an EV but have a few questions. Yes I know how to use a search button, but i enjoy others opinions aswell. I am on a wait list for a Brammo Empulse and was one of the first 1000 preorders, but since latest pricing and specs I think paying 18k is a bit steep for a motorcycle. So Plan B would be build one or maybe even an a 4 wheel EV. I have a wife and two children, and a Great Dane. So the next obvious question is what do YOU GUYS think would suite my needs in the below criteria for a EV build:
Budget: max 20K
range:40 miles @ 55mph
body style: preferably small SUV or quad cab pickup
seating capacity: 4 W/ enough space for a dog or groceries in the back
typical use: dropping kids off at school, groceries, and a 17mile hyway ride to in-laws.
creature comforts: i would like to have heat an AC but AC isn't a priority. power steering is a plus.

questions: would it be best to just save up 30k for a leaf that would be more refined but never fit my Dane and kids, and is my goal realistic with budget? AC or DC ( lots of hills here) and motor size. Anyone who wants to speculate with me please chime in. I dont have to be able to haul the whole family but moving 4 people is a necessity if i want my wife on board. Not looking for a performance beast but 12-14 sec 0-60 and enough ummph to go uphill with traffic , and preferably capable of 70mph( need 65). I'm looking to replace my tired jetta (auto not stick) that doesn't really fit my dog anymore( have a gas people hauler already that i use for long trips an taking the whole family with me)
thanks.
Frank

[dougingraham]

My gut feeling is that you can do this using new components for between 16 and 17 thousand excluding the roller. To get a 40 mile range (80%DOD) with a 400wh/mile vehicle will need about a 20kwh pack which is not at all excessive. Pack cost should be around $8000. Motor and controller will be around $5000. Adaptor around $1000. Couple of thousand for the charger. And another thousand for accessories.

Figure out what vehicle you want to convert and ask more questions. There are lots of ways to lower the cost but most of them require sweat equity.

[Jay-Fazed]

Thanks for the break down! I was leaning toward a forester, rav 4 (2002), CRV for the small SUV cat, Its hard to help when a donor isnt picked yet I know. I have been looking at The EV album to find similar builds but there arent too many that give the details Im looking for ie, price, seating capacity (a lot turn out to be two seaters), and range @ 55ish.