[Trufl]

Hello all I'm new to the forums. I'd like to do a conversion or whatever works best for being cheap, and functional. I don't know a ton about mechanics, done lots of random work, oil, brakes. Started to remove an engine block long ago, but I have access to tools and people that have varied skills and am pretty quick to pick up mechanics.

My goals are:

2+ Passengers
50 miles per charge
highway speeds, min 55mph

I'm hoping I can get a car functional and maybe work up to this.
I gues the key is money, since I don't have a ton. I'm hoping to get something working with less than $2,000.

First Question would be, what would the experts suggest I look for in a car to convert? or any specific models that stand out?

I've been interested in making my own EV for years, but I'm finally ready to get started. I'm hoping I can get something up and running and then just keep building on that. I'm also curious how possible it is to get parts from junkyard priuses or other older hybrids/ electrics.

[Ziggythewiz]

Welcome! Keep reading and saving your pennies. You'll get there.

[somanywelps]

$2000 isn't going to get you very far.

At that cost level you'd be better off with an old gas econobox.

[madderscience]

It is possible (barely) to get a road legal conversion going for around $2000 (exclusive price of the car) but you are probably going to be looking at a 72v system and repurposed forklift and/or golf cart components. Batteries would probably be used or factory 2nd lead acids. The performance envelope of such a car would be more like 35-40mph top speed and 20 miles of range. I believe the record low price for a "successful" conversion on these forums was $500 for a geo metro conversion. Everything was scavenged, begged, borrowed, or repurposed. IIRC it was a 72v system or lower meaning not highway capable.

Anything with 50 miles of range at freeway speed your budget should be more like $10k USD minimum, of which 2/3 would go towards batteries. The rest towards secondhand, homemade, or repurposed controller, charger, and other components.

One shortcut might be to buy a used conversion that needs batteries, but is otherwise solid. Then, for the cost of the non-running car and a replacement battery pack you are on the road, possibly for less than what the original conversion cost. Obviously, in this scenario YGWYPF and buyer beware are words to live by. Especially avoid old-tech and mad frankenstein conversions and ones that have been sitting in the weather for years as electronics don't weather well if not being used regularly.

Good luck.

[ruckus]

Ok, just for you, I will spill the beans.

Contact your local wrecking yard. Ask for prius or Honda Hybrids. They are scared of the battery packs and might even let you remove them for free so they don't have to deal with them. Get a charge/decharge/ah test meter. Test the batts. Keep the good ones. put a basic bms on them to keep them together this time.

Build a kick-ass car.

Happy Hunting!

[Trufl]

Thanks, that was more or less my plan. I was hoping I could get scrap stuff, I'll definitely scavenge the batteries. I guess I did not say my plan clearly. I'd like to get something running with plans to be able to improve it to get highway and all that. I was curious to know if anyone has been able to get a prius body or something. I would like to get a more normal looking car body. I need advice on what to look for in a car to convert. Was wondering if any cars stand out as good candidates for eventually becoming a good electric conversion. I'm will to put money into it, but would like to get it running and then improve it.

[dragonsgate]

Trufl look in Chit chat under $2k conversion?