Hi all,
I'm thinking of converting my 1960 Isetta into an EV. For background, I'm located in the UK and the Isetta is a 300 3-wheel version.
Basic requirements would be:
55mph max
50 miles range @ 50mph - *** packet calculation @ 160Wh/m and 80% SoC range would put it at ~10kwh battery requirement?
The car weighs about 300kg dry as is, and the original engine put out 13hp at 5,200 rpm max. I can lose about 60kg by removing the engine, fuel tank and the counterbalance weight.
I was thinking as an easy first "dive" into EV conversion to get a Reva GWiz (AC version), and transplant all the bits into the Isetta, mating the Reva motor to the Isetta gearbox.
I'd consider getting Tesla or Leaf module batteries to get 10kwh to replace the lead acids if the proof of concept works...
Some questions to you gurus:
1) Does this sound like a credible plan?
2) Does anybody have the specs or dimensions of the Reva AC motor and controller?
3) I've found Curtis 1238 controllers (@48v 400A) for relatively cheap around here - out of forklifts I believe - but am I right in understanding they can only be used with DC motors?
4) If the Reva one-donor idea isn't great, what would be an alternative within a similar price bracket? I'm conscious that I could probably pick up a whole running car for £1,000...
5) Regarding batteries, would I need 4 tesla modules to get 10kwh @ 48V? If so, it would be cheaper for me to get a full 20kwh Leaf battery pack...
Thanks all!