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DIY Electric Vehicle: Convert to EV and help save the planet, reduce dependence on oil.
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HOW TO DYI AN ELECTRIC CAR There are several ways to get an EV. You can buy one direct from the shop, build it yourself from the beginning or simply convert an existing gasoline engine to EV. You may have to note that you will not need to make any major changes to your regular sedan to get the EV. The most important point will be to remove the gasoline engine and fix the batteries, controller and the motor. You can be able to get your conversion done in a week. You can also get a professional to build an EV for you. In this case you will have to look at credentials of the professional and whether he has the experience to do the job. You may want to look at his previous clients for testimony.
If you are hiring a professional, you can visit the garage to look at his work force and the equipment he has. It is good if he belongs to a recognized professional organization, then his credentials may have been certified.
You can also obtain a donor car for your conversion. You can search the web or look through classifieds for them. It is essential that the donor car has a good transmission and that it is not an automatic type. Manual transmission types are best for EVs.
It is very easy to build an EV. You will need to buy the right kits and get a manual, which is easily available from the web. Here you can buy single components or get kits. A kit has been specially made for some particular cars so it may not fit all situations. It has the advantage of uniformity, as all the parts will be originating from the same manufacturer. It enables you to finish the conversion faster. It also suits motorists who are not technically inclined and has the advantage of been perfect for the job. If you are using a regular car you can buy the pieces. It is cheaper this way but will require a lot of customization to get things right.
The budget will also determine how the EV will be built. If you choose a more versatile and faster motor, you will have to pay more. Batteries that get easier to run down will cost cheaper than enduing ones.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER FOR EV CONVERSION Before you embark on the conversion, you will have to take a lot of factors into consideration. First what type of chassis do you want to use for the conversion?
You need to factor this into your conversion because the type of chassis you chose would depend on the type of motor you want to install. If you want to use a light duty vehicle, then you need to have a smaller motor. But if you are going to convert a truck, then you have to buy a more expensive motor.
Again, what type of car are you converting? Some cars are fundamentally difficult convert. A light truck with lot of space at the back for the installation of the batteries is perfect for conversion. A light sedan will also be a better car for conversion because it is light in weight.
A manual transmission is well suited for the conversion into EV than a manual type. Again, the manual transmission will fit the ancillary components easily. It is also efficient as far as energy use is concerned. The point is the adapter plate that replaces the flywheel in regular sedans fits the manual transmission better.
You will also need to look the type of motor you are installing. The DC system is easier to install, will fit smaller cars but is very slow and cannot carry lots of weight. The AC is more versatile, more expensive and will travel faster.
How much do you want to spend on the EV? Well, that depends on the horsepower you want. Greater horsepower means you have to buy a bigger motor that sell higher in price. If you are going to do the conversion yourself, you may want to cut down on cost by buying components in pieces and then fitting them on the EV. This method takes a lot of time but is cheaper.
You must buy the right kit for your EV else you may experience some problems after installation. They must be from reputable vendors only and make sure that each piece is guaranteed. If you are buying a kit is advisable to ensure that all the pieces that make the components come from the same manufacturer to enhance compatibility. What you are buying must fit your car without much adjustment. The major items a kit must include are a wiring diagram, a motor, a set of batteries, controllers and cables. At the minimum, each kit must contain:
An Adapter Plate, which is used to control the transmission, Amp Meter to measure your current and an Amp Shunt to control how the battery is been used.
You may also have to choose your batteries carefully. There are several options but the most common are:
Lithiums, which are very expensive, and you may find it difficult to have chargers for them. They provide long lasting charge.
NiMh is another high quality type which will also give you a lasting charge but also very expensive.
The best batteries for sedans in terms of price and lifespan are golf cart type batteries and the best for trucks are the conventional batteries.
RESOURCES You can learn more about EV conversions through EV clubs. EV clubs are social groups that bring people with interest in EVs together. They hold regular meetings, distribute materials, hold workshops and network to promote the use of EVs. These groups are also able to offer advice and recommendations to other members. You can join an EV in your locality by applying to the chapter in your state or city. You can also contact the Electric Auto Association for the list of clubs in your area. EV clubs are at the forefront of demand for common charging system for EVs.
CONCLUSION Converting to EVs confers a lot of benefits on the owner but like with every task, you will have to take note of several factors to get your conversion right. Once you take the right approach, you are off to a cheap and convenient means of transport that will not pollute the planet.
Article submitted Saturday, July 10, 2010 & read 331 times.
Dr Y. Ev is an Electric Vehicle EV enthusiast and writer in the field. He strives to bring more awareness to the necessity for EVs to reduce global warming, air pollution and dependence on oil. He has writtenabout the subject in "Convert To EV" and "The EV Alternative" books. He also has interest in Cloud Computing and the "smart Grid".
He maintains active information and promotion websites: ElectricVehicleEV.com, onlineEV.com, EvPal.com,Convert2EV.com and CloudQuery.com
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