As above, the Open Revolt will save you some pounds and at 500A & 144V it packs a punch. I've just built one and it wasn't that difficult, as long as you have some basic soldering skills and the right kit. Even if you don't have the skills you can get them with some online research and some soldering kits from Maplin.
The charger, again, doesn't have to be expensive. I bought a 2.5Kw charger from EV Source online and had no issues...apart from the dreaded import taxes into the UK...25% ish.
Finding a good forklift motor will save you £s but you might have to search a little to get a good one. Take pictures and post them on here and some of the motor blokes will advise on suitability. Mine is a dedicated EV motor and cost $2000 from The States.
The batteries is where the big bucks are. If you're in it for the long term then lithium is unquestionably the best to go for in terms of £/mile but with your range and speed requirements expect to shell out a small fortune. If you can cope with lower power and range requirements then the cost will fall significantly but still expect to pay a minimum of £2000 for a 60Ah 144V pack...that's a minimum. Drop Skooler a message on here and he'll advise what he can do. He can supply lithium from China into the UK.
My range requirments are very modest (10 mile round trip commute) so I've gone for lead...although I would still like lithium for performance, range and weight gains. I'm carrying 400 Kg of lead in my Mk2 Golf!!
Anyway, ignore the things which are stopping you and make a start. There's value in some redundant 205 parts perhaps?
There's lots of knowledge on here but do your own thing and decide for yourself what's right for you once you've got the information around you. There is more than one way to skin a donkey, as they say!!
Looking forward to following your progress.
Cheers
Adam (UK)
The charger, again, doesn't have to be expensive. I bought a 2.5Kw charger from EV Source online and had no issues...apart from the dreaded import taxes into the UK...25% ish.
Finding a good forklift motor will save you £s but you might have to search a little to get a good one. Take pictures and post them on here and some of the motor blokes will advise on suitability. Mine is a dedicated EV motor and cost $2000 from The States.
The batteries is where the big bucks are. If you're in it for the long term then lithium is unquestionably the best to go for in terms of £/mile but with your range and speed requirements expect to shell out a small fortune. If you can cope with lower power and range requirements then the cost will fall significantly but still expect to pay a minimum of £2000 for a 60Ah 144V pack...that's a minimum. Drop Skooler a message on here and he'll advise what he can do. He can supply lithium from China into the UK.
My range requirments are very modest (10 mile round trip commute) so I've gone for lead...although I would still like lithium for performance, range and weight gains. I'm carrying 400 Kg of lead in my Mk2 Golf!!
Anyway, ignore the things which are stopping you and make a start. There's value in some redundant 205 parts perhaps?
There's lots of knowledge on here but do your own thing and decide for yourself what's right for you once you've got the information around you. There is more than one way to skin a donkey, as they say!!
Looking forward to following your progress.
Cheers
Adam (UK)
