ok, I got a 1997 suzuki swift for a donor vehicle ($500 and it still runs!). first step is to decide on 10x12v, 12x12v, or something else. I am leaning toward 12x12v for a little extra zip and range. My target use is less than 25 miles range ‘around town’ with speeds 25-50mph.
I am probably going with a standard 8" ADC motor, curtiss controller package… just have to decide on batteries to finalize design.
given those parameters, does anyone have pre-made racks for this? designs/plans? I do need to retain useable rear seats…
It sounds like you can get the performance requirments you desire with either 10x12 or 12x12. prefer the later of course, if possible.
I don’t know of any ready made racks for this, hopefully someone else will have some good ideas there, but I would think that 5-6 int the rear package area. and 4-5 under the hood should be relativly easy. However, I think it would be best to sink the rear batteries through the floor, to lower the weight, and retain some package area. This would require a decent bit of welding, and fabrication, but would be no big deal for a decent welder, and whipping up the racks while they were at it would be no big deal.
I would be sure to check out Austin EV http://evalbum.austinev.org/type there are several Metros, and Swifts there, perhaps you will get some ideas there, Eric
[QUOTE=dtbaker;1535]ok, I got a 1997 suzuki swift for a donor vehicle
does anyone have pre-made racks for this? designs/plans? I do need to retain useable rear seats…[/QUOTE]
I’m pretty sure that the Geo Metro was the same car, and Solectria built a bunch of EVs on this platform. If you could get some pictures of that install, it might help.
As I recall, they put 8 batteries in the trunk area, and 4 under the hood.
Very clean install that way.
But the Solectria install used a custom gearbox that left a lot more room under the hood than you might have using the stock transmission. Anyway, that might push you to 10x12 instead of 12x12.
I just finished a Metro conversion. I only used 6 batteries so the range is somewhat limited. I did not have a welder, so bolted all racks in place. You can check out the details at my blog: electricmetro.blogspot.com
Have fun!
I decided on 12x 8v batteries to maximize range and use less expensive charger, controller, dc-dc converter. It was surprising to see how much could be saved changing from 144 or 120v to 96v system.
[QUOTE=dtbaker;3845]I decided on 12x 8v batteries to maximize range and use less expensive charger, controller, dc-dc converter. It was surprising to see how much could be saved changing from 144 or 120v to 96v system.
conversion was complete March 1… and is performing as expected! amazing really. range about 40 miles at in-town average speed of 35mph-ish. top speed over 65 mph, and ‘reasonable’ acceleration.
after almost a year of daily driving, and chronic under-watering for the first 6 monthes before I installed a Flow-rite system, the batteries are showing signs of age. I am considering replacing w/ Li as cost/cycle is now less than Lead…
The first generation Swift was introduced in 2000 as a replacement for the Suzuki Cultus. Outside of Japan, the Suzuki Ignis name was widely used. The Ignis was originally manufactured as a five-door hatchback, powered by a new generation of Suzuki straight-four gasoline engines, the M family. Displacement ranged from 1.3 to 1.5 L, and the standard transmission was the usual five-speed manual, with an optional four-speed automatic gearbox. The vehicle is available with either front or four-wheel drive, although the 4WD/auto combination was limited to the Japanese and Australian markets.BMW Accessories
range about 40 miles at in-town average speed of 35mph-ish. top speed over 65 mph, and ‘reasonable’ acceleration.