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1970 Fiat 500 Conversion

5504 Views 5 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  goatsheeze
I am comfortable with all the required electrical and mechanical skill sets I need. I even have some friends who want to help with the welding and fabrication for free cause they are interested in the project.

Right now I am basing my converesion off of an english company's kit. The company is here: Welcome to Electric Classic Cars

I plan to put an additional battery module so I will have 4 not 3. I am planning on finishing this project by September 1st and I expect the project to come in around 10k. I just got new tires and im getting ready to strip the car in the next week or two. I will add pictures during that stage. What I would like is sounding boards and suggestions to make sure I do it right.

I am moving to a 10 sqmi island in September and this is going to be my island car... Any inputs welcome, and thanks!
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Have you looked into a Nissan Leaf motor? Seems like it'd be a great fit and you could ditch the transmission (though custom axles would be $2k). You can usually find a Leaf motor and inverter for $1000. Hell, you could buy a whole Leaf for $5k and use the batteries, too.

I've had good luck with Thunderstruck's stuff. They have a charger I like, though it depends on how fast you want to charge. Reusing OEM components is best, but they can be difficult to control. I think the Leaf charger may have been hacked recently...

Random note: My classic Mini has a 22kWh pack and it'll do 60-80mi. I think actual usable juice is more like 16kWh, too. Seems like you could around that island quite a few times per charge night with less.
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I have a goggomobil that I may or may not ever finish. Similar chassis - I've actually pondered using 2x hub motors for this chassis since it's so light. If you need any parts please reach out - I have a ton of extra EV bits.

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Great stuff guys. Please keep it coming.
Have you looked into a Nissan Leaf motor? Seems like it'd be a great fit and you could ditch the transmission (though custom axles would be $2k). You can usually find a Leaf motor and inverter for $1000. Hell, you could buy a whole Leaf for $5k and use the batteries, too.

I've had good luck with Thunderstruck's stuff. They have a charger I like, though it depends on how fast you want to charge. Reusing OEM components is best, but they can be difficult to control. I think the Leaf charger may have been hacked recently...

Random note: My classic Mini has a 22kWh pack and it'll do 60-80mi. I think actual usable juice is more like 16kWh, too. Seems like you could around that island quite a few times per charge night with less.
What battery pack did you use to power the Leaf inverter?
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