Electric Car Conversion Plans And Goals For Our Build

OK so I mentioned to my friend that I was going to build an electric car (EV) and he has had the urge for about ten years.

His idea is to build two of the same cars together or one after the other. We just have to agree on the same car and come across two of the same donor cars.

His suggestion is a Toyota corolla based on how popular the make ans model are for good parts availability.

I saw an example of a great 1997 corolla here > http://evalbum.com/3382 that website evalbum is one of the best resources to see what others have already done. There are some real gems and links to be found there.

I like Toyota I was thinking a 1996 4 runner or an extra or maybe even a king cab pick up. I actually saw a 4 runner donor for $1000 bucks the other day on Craigslist.

I need to find a vehicle that will hold 5 people on occasion. Travel a minimum distance of 40 miles and preferred range of 80 miles. My commute is 32 miles one way. Can have access to 110 and possibly a 220v connection at work and home. This setup will allow me to top off charge from my office which will extend my practical driving range throughout the Tampa, pinellas, and w Pasco areas since I will have two charging home bases.

My preferred but probably un realistic budget is $4,800 which is the amount I am spending per year on gas. It’s also the gross amount of my Internet publishing and advertising income. So If I reinvest in the EV project it will not take away from the family budget.

If I can do it in one year my costs for the following year could drop to about 100 per month plus the dollar a day cost of electricity. This would total about 130 per month plus repairs and upgrades. I currently spend about 400 per month on fuel. So there is a potential savings of 270 per month. The car would pay for itself in 2-4 years depending on the actual cost to build and upgrade to meet goals.

What makes this whole project really fun is having strict challenging goals and trying to me them the upgrade for there.

I also want to build and design a range extending trailer using a propane generator. Here is a 75 thousand dollar example http://tzev.com/2001_rxt-g_.html. But that’s just a long-term thing to be able to use the vehicle in travel or long-range mode if needed. Could probably get 60 MPG in generator mode.

(idea sharable rental generators)

this ev craze was sparked by an introduction to alectra I still want to dive and would consider buying if quality and service are proven to be acceptable – the vehicle lasts 4 years without major repairs or reliability issues.