Australia - PT Cruiser conversion

Hi Brian, thanks for your information, Very useful & a great resource your website is too, I will refer back.

I have been advised that I will have trouble getting a post '93 conversion certified in Australia due to the changes to crumple zone, but there are plenty running around here so I think its more who you know rather than what you know.

Galderi your 240Z sounds neat, are you in Vic . I still cant find a VASS engineer who is willing to help. maybe this is only a Victorian problem.
Any leads welcomed.

The info I received was that the ICE forms part of the Crumple zone on any post 93 car (not just PT cruisers) , and removing that ICE will be a problem. If I make a frame that mounts the Electric Motor using the original engine mounts I think it will assimilate the crumple zone of original ICE , Perhaps I could also mount my spare wheel in front , where radiator was . (As i doubt they will let me put Lifepo4's there !!)

Not that I plan to crash it.

I was thinking I could get a Manual Steering rack from an earlier Chrysler Neon, as the PT is built on a Neon platform, But I don't think they made RHD manual steer racks so Electric PS does seem a better option than mounting PS pump on new motor.

Paul9 said:

<snip>

I would be surprised if VIC doesn't have a list of approved engineers authorised to approve modifications, both mechanical and electrical, to all vehicles?

Cheers
Paul

Click to expand...

Yes VicRoads has an long list of VASS engineers but does not specify EV , just Heavy Vehicle or Light Vehicle.

https://www.google.com.au/search?client=opera&q=vicroads+vass+list&sourceid=opera&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

Most are Metro Melbourne, but me being in the country the nearest are more than EV range away & no experience in EV . Im working my way through the list without success so far. The two VASS engineers Ive dealt with for mods Ive done on 4x4 vehicles are not interested. Its like they don't want my money.

Not even getting much response from Aust DIY EV vendors, Im going to be spending multi thousands of dollars with the lucky one that responds with some answers to a few questions - but its like they don't want my money.

Looks like I'll be shopping overseas !!

Im sure in USA they have retailers fighting for your business !!

galderdi said:

The LandRover would be ok. But it depends on your budget and requirements. In the EV world weight and aero are key. The electric torque would make the LandRover excellent off road. But range and top speed will be the more difficult requirements to satisfy. It is doable, but you would need to throw a lot of dollars at it.

What range and top speed would you be looking for?

Click to expand...

100kmh max , range 100km will do. Currently Flat chat on a slight downhill it will do 98kmh measured by GPS ,

Regen braking would be nice off road , so I was thinking AC50

Tare is 1560kg , I suspect that will come down as the 4-cylinder cast iron lump is heavier than the V8 engines often used to replace them, so Electric motor and LiFePo4's will be lighter again.

I realise it will cost magnitudes more than economically viablility.

Ive joined the AEVA , and a Victorian committe member also advised I would have trouble with post '93 Vehicle. I am fully prepared to trailer the car 4 hours to a metro engineer for inspection as many times as is necessary, but i'm still drawing a blank wall.

I cant believe it needs to be so difficult.

Itchyback if your in Victoria do you mind PM'ing your engineer's details & hopefully he will be able to take me on.

PT Cruiser officially canned, due to Red Tape.

Im converting the LandRover instead. Just purchased last Rover adaptor kit from CEV .

brian_ said:

For inspiration...
Bollinger B1

Click to expand...

Thanks Brian, I saw that this morning.

that would be my dream car