Hi, My name is Steve and I from New Jersey just about 5 min from Philadelphia. I am a Special Education Instructor at a Trade High School and assist in the Pre-Engineering Shop. I not only help the Special Ed Students but I interact with the regular Ed students. I have always been talented with the mechanics of cars and motorcycles and I LOVE being able to help the Pre-Engineering students learn mechanical engineering.
Anyway, a few sophomore students of mine started their senior project of creating an electric go-cart here is their WiKi WesTTechEV so this gave me the jump start to work with a few graduated and current seniors that have the same interest in EV's. So one of my last year seniors and I purchased a 1990 Mazda Miata and we have removed the engine and trans. and are in the process of removing the gas tank (not easy).
We decided to make this a Demo Vehicle for a local conversion company. We would take in customers vehicle to be converted and convert it to EV. Though this may not happen for another year until we convert our first 'customer' car we have the ambition but alas not the start up money. We are committed to use the best quality parts for the customer for long term use and reliability. I have contacted AC Propulsion but they were not even interested in talking to me. I therefore will be piecing the parts together from research of what to use as far as Motor, Transmission, Batteries, AC, power Steering etc. A few of the seniors are experienced from our Electronics Shop so I am happy about their help and their possible permanent employment.
I understand that I have a lot of hurdles yet but here are my main stopping points and hopefully someone here can help me out. So here are a few things someone can help me with.
1. Government Grant, Tax Credit, or Loan for starting an EV Conversion Company...is there any available?
2. Motor Type - Azure Dynamics AC24 with Forward, Reverse, neutral buttons. Programable Regen. and Economy and performance mode.
Wanted to use AC Propulsion kit but may not happen they don't deal with the common man.
3. Transmission -Going Direct Drive
4. Batteries - Thunder Sky Batteries 200Ah
5. Marketing to convert customers ICE vehicle to EV. - A big hurdle if not the biggest.
What do you think? I know the controller isnt on there I am still looking but ideas are appreciated.
I will have more updates on the company progress...wish me LOTS of luck!
EDITED - Using Azure Dynamics and Direct Drive and TH 200Ah batteries
Anyway, a few sophomore students of mine started their senior project of creating an electric go-cart here is their WiKi WesTTechEV so this gave me the jump start to work with a few graduated and current seniors that have the same interest in EV's. So one of my last year seniors and I purchased a 1990 Mazda Miata and we have removed the engine and trans. and are in the process of removing the gas tank (not easy).
We decided to make this a Demo Vehicle for a local conversion company. We would take in customers vehicle to be converted and convert it to EV. Though this may not happen for another year until we convert our first 'customer' car we have the ambition but alas not the start up money. We are committed to use the best quality parts for the customer for long term use and reliability. I have contacted AC Propulsion but they were not even interested in talking to me. I therefore will be piecing the parts together from research of what to use as far as Motor, Transmission, Batteries, AC, power Steering etc. A few of the seniors are experienced from our Electronics Shop so I am happy about their help and their possible permanent employment.
I understand that I have a lot of hurdles yet but here are my main stopping points and hopefully someone here can help me out. So here are a few things someone can help me with.
1. Government Grant, Tax Credit, or Loan for starting an EV Conversion Company...is there any available?
2. Motor Type - Azure Dynamics AC24 with Forward, Reverse, neutral buttons. Programable Regen. and Economy and performance mode.
Wanted to use AC Propulsion kit but may not happen they don't deal with the common man.
3. Transmission -Going Direct Drive
4. Batteries - Thunder Sky Batteries 200Ah
5. Marketing to convert customers ICE vehicle to EV. - A big hurdle if not the biggest.
What do you think? I know the controller isnt on there I am still looking but ideas are appreciated.
I will have more updates on the company progress...wish me LOTS of luck!
EDITED - Using Azure Dynamics and Direct Drive and TH 200Ah batteries