That's a huge challenge, both because the big flat modules are not shaped conveniently for this purpose, and because they only have 6 cells in series each, so you need a lot of battery to reach a useful voltage. The Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt modules are more obvious fits.I would like to use Tesla Model S Battery modules if I can find a way to fit them.![]()
Hello, New here.I'm planning on converting a Farm quad preferable 4wd.
Can anyone recommend make and model that I should be looking at for ease of conversion?
I converted a Polaris ATV (see link in signature below), and one of the reasons I used that model is that the engine and transmission are in separate housings. Connecting the motor to the drivetrain was fairly straight-forward. The transmission has 2 speeds, which makes the ATV good for both low and high speed work. You definitely want some form of gear reduction between the motor and axles to get good torque and allow the motor to run at reasonable rpms.
Traditionally, Polaris - unlike other manufacturers - has tended to use a belt-type CVT in their ATVs. Polaris started by building snowmobiles, and this is essentially the same transmission as used as most snowmobiles for decades. That means that the engine is connected to a simple gearbox (with reverse and maybe high and low gears) by the belt of the CVT, so they are relatively separate. I assume that the intention here would be to replace the engine with the electric motor, and to replace the CVT with a plain (fixed-ratio) toothed belt or chain drive of whatever ratio works best for the motor.Is the seperate housing a standard feature of Polaris ATV's?
Mine is a 2004 Polaris Sportsman 500HO. Likely most years around this are similar with respect to drivetrain, but you would need to confirm. I see quite a few Sportsman for sale in Ontario on Kijiji and Autotrader in the $2500 range. You could also try posting an ad on Kijiji looking for one that has a blown engine.I'm finding better deals directly from the dealerships then from used ones on Kijiji. I'm thinking I might have to buy a brand new one. I'll wait till the warranty runs out and then convert it. Anyone else finding this strange pattern? I'm searching in Ontario, Canada - maybe it's just a seasonal / regional thing.
That's strange: it looks like a Gator 6X4 or a knockoff of one, but has Pug badging... and the Pug is quite different. It looks like they built these before the current design... a couple of decades ago.Just now I found this for $500:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/260495644780255