VX EV: Any Interest?

[Joe_Black]

I'm working on converting an MR2 to full electric and have been toying with the idea of using a 1st-gen Trooper while retaining the 4WD. With the Trooper I could fab an aluminum safari-style shade (like on Series II Land Rovers) that housed PV panels for solar recharging to augment range.

In thinking about it I realized how to do the same for the VX. It wouldn't be TOD, but full-time AWD. You could, of course, switch between RWD, FWD and AWD with the push of a button. Regen is also an available option. In the conversion you'd remove essentially the entire drivetrain and fuel system, leaving only the axles. The AC would be electrically driven and the heater core replaced with an electric unit (instant heat!). Keeping it light would give about a 50 mile range with a full charge, and performance beyond what the ICE can deliver.

In any case, I'll likely fab a set of motor brackets to satiate my curiosity. So if anyone is interested in converting their VX to full electric I'd be interested in working with you.

[transio]

What would it cost? How much could I get for my current drivetrain?

[mbeach]

An electric MR2 would be a blast to autocross -it'd be like riding in a slot car.

But a Trooper/VX? I dunno.

You want a AWD vehicle that can't go more than 50 miles from an electrical outlet?
An SUV that can't carry any additional weight -like offroading equipment?

If I were thinking about going full electric, I would start with a commuter vehicle like a Festiva or something...

[Maugan_VX]

I'd seen something about a three-wheeled vehicle somewhere (not the Peugot) and it ran on a motorcycle engine.

I was thinking that an electric version would be pretty simple to adapt.

Wish I could find the pics, the thing looked like a hot ride, with some impressive performance numbers and a 60-something MPG rating IIRC.

[Joe_Black]

You want a AWD vehicle that can't go more than 50 miles from an electrical outlet?
An SUV that can't carry any additional weight -like offroading equipment?

Admittedly you wouldn't go cross-country with it, just your normal drive which for some includes difficult terrain. Your ability to haul gear wouldn't be affected in any way. The short range is because you're only carrying 8 or 12 batteries, which will easily fit where the fuel tank was and under the hood.

People often miss the advantage of electric vehicles because they try to compare them directly to gas vehicles. Most people don't drive their tank dry every day, so an electric vehicle with a 50 mile range is more than suitable. But then the folk that may be interested get turned off to the idea because all they can find is something itty-bitty like a Honda Insight or a GEM car. Give 'em a regular SUV with AWD and serious performance then maybe you'll find a convert. The money saved alone in fuel more than makes up the additional insurance for a second vehicle if they wanted or needed to keep the gasser.

All too many people determine their needs by what other people tell them, not by taking a look at what they're really doing in their own lives. We've got a lot of forward-thinking people here that operate so far out of the envelope that there's no zip code for 'em anymore. That's why I like sharing my crazy ideas here!

[luz]

Maybe you could throw away that useless donut spare and add batteries there if you beefed up the hinges to handle the weight? It annoys me that space is such an obstruction to visibility for such little gain.

[Joe_Black]

You could easily fit plenty of batteries in existing space, and it would all be low for better center-of-gravity. You could use the engine compartment, fuel tank area and the entire driveline center tunnel as there wouldn't be a transmission, transfer case or driveshaft. More batteries equals more weight and expense, and simply isn't necessary for most people.

If you want economy, power and range then you want the Isuzu turbo-diesel conversion. Make your own fuel at home and still be environmentally friendly while flipping off the petroleum companies.

Our vision-blocking tire storage was more about form than function.

[TechnoPope]

Joe,
I have been looking to purchase an EV. I don't think I would want my VX converted to electric. Too heavy. I would suggest converting a small light pickup. A solid bed cover makes the ideal surface for solar collectors.

I want a (bio) diesel VX!

FYI: Nearly new EV Ford Rangers are now being dispersed to the public rather than crushed. There is a dealer in CA installing refurb battery packs and selling one or two a month until they are gone. There are a hand full of states where Ford will service them. They had spotty reliability but might be great for someone ready to take on the challenge.


Maugan,
Is this your three wheeler?
http://www.myersmotors.com/
These just went on sale to the public. I have driven the Myers' version and they are a blast. They were once known as the Corbin Sparrow and some were powered by v2 motorcycle engines. The new version will set you back nearly $30K so I don't think they will sell too quickly. They do, however, run on Optima batteries so replacement batteries will be readily available.