OwnerTony Cygan
LocationSacramento, California US map
Email email image
Vehicle1973 Porsche 914
MotorAdvanced DC FB1-4001 Series Wound DC
9"
DrivetrainOriginal 5 speed transmission with clutch
ControllerAuburn Scientific PWC600-144 Kodiak
Batteries18 US Battery US8V, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
System Voltage144 Volts
Charger
temporary charger variac
Heaternone at this time
DC/DC ConverterTodd PC-30HV
30 Amp output.
Instrumentationa) E-meter
b) 500 Amp ammeter
c) Voltmeter
Top Speed85 MPH (136 KPH)
approximately, no problems keeping up with traffic
Seating Capacity2 adults
Curb Weight2,700 Pounds (1,227 Kilograms)
estimated
TiresStock, but will use low rolling resistance type as replacement.
Conversion Timeabout one year (working weekends)
The car has been very reliable. I've got over 13000 miles on it and drive it daily. It's been on the road for over two years. I put on about 500 miles every month commuting to work, running errands around town, and just having fun. The car was purchased with a blown motor and with the intention of converting it to electric power. It took about a year's time worth of odd weekends (about 100 man-hours) to strip it down and rebuild it into an electric car. What's it's biggest drawback ? Range of course. I would be happier if it could go 100 miles on a charge and be able to take the car to the Bay Area, but I knew before I built it that I only needed a car that could go 30 miles a day, since this is 90% of my driving (and yours too I'll bet). For those longer trips it's cheaper for me to rent a car the few times I need to travel long distances, than it would be to own another (gas) car, and pay the costs associated with it (i.e.: insurance, maintenance, etc). Would I do it again ? ABSOLUTELY!

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