| Owner | Coby Skye & Gabrielle Weeks | ||||||||
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| Location | Long Beach, California United States map | ||||||||
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| Vehicle | 1999 Geo Metro Free donor Vehicle | ||||||||
| Motor | Azure Dynamics/Solectria AC24 3-Phase AC | ||||||||
| Drivetrain | FWD, previously a 1.0 L 3 cyl | ||||||||
| Controller | Azure Dynamics/Solectria DMOC445 | ||||||||
| Batteries | 72 GBS 100 Ah LiFeMnPO4, 3.20 Volt, Lithium Iron Phosphate After a couple of lead acid packs (156V) we upgraded to a fantastic Lithium Ion pack. Double the range, less weight, more power, faster acceleration, and will last 2-3x longer. Best decision we've made. | ||||||||
| System Voltage | 230 Volts | ||||||||
| Charger | Elcon PFC 2500 Upgraded from an excellent Manzanita Micro PFC- 20 to an ElCon PFC 2500, with Can BUS. | ||||||||
| Heater | Thought about getting a small heater that plugs into the lighter socket but never got around to it - its So. Cal. so we don't need a heater much. | ||||||||
| DC/DC Converter | Hood-mounted Solar Panel Previously used a CC Power C400 model but it suddenly stopped working. I know this model works well for many people but I decided instead to use a solar trickle charger to recharge the house battery. I also installed a basic 12V onboard charger, when the traction pack recharges so does the 12V. | ||||||||
| Instrumentation | 3 pack from ElectroAutomotive: 6-16 volts for the house battery; 115 - 175 Volts for pack voltage (serves as "fuel" gauge); and -200.0.+200 Ammeter (see photo of these in place) | ||||||||
| Top Speed | 90 MPH (144 KPH) With lighter batteries, acceleration is really good and I can drive on freeways with ease. | ||||||||
| Acceleration | Much better than the old 3 cyl. | ||||||||
| Range | 100 Miles (160 Kilometers) Previous range with the lead batteries ws about 35 miles of fwy driving, 45-55 miles around town depending on hills, driving style, etc. Now I can comfortably go 100 miles with typical driving, and if I hypermile I can go much further. | ||||||||
| Watt Hours/Mile | 260 Wh/Mile Rough estimate. | ||||||||
| EV Miles |
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| Seating Capacity | 2 adults (took out the back seat for batteries) | ||||||||
| Curb Weight | 1,859 Pounds (844 Kilograms) Prior to conversion process, about 2,500 with lead acid batteries. | ||||||||
| Tires | Put new Falken ZE-512 (low rolling resistance) 195/60R15s on the Acura rims that the previous owner got. They work great! Even steering is easier when stopped (since the car never had power steering, that is a good thing). | ||||||||
| Conversion Time | too long (our first conversion, so everything is a learning process :) | ||||||||
| Conversion Cost | Vehicle - donated A/C Kit from EA - $11K Brakes/Suspension - $500 Batteries - (lead acid, x2) $2,500 New Li-Ion batteries, BMS, Charger, etc - $12k Elcon Charger - $700 Other misc: Pioneer audio/visual system - $250 AVCON Adapter - $250 Battery Box - $40 from a friend (thanks Charlie!) Professional services (welding, wiring, etc.) - approx. $2,500 | ||||||||
| Additional Features | Installed interface to the Azure Dynamics Controller in the cabin, makes it easier to get readings and make adjustments. Added a solar trickle charger for the house battery, to replace the DC to DC converter which suddenly went dead. (Installed the AVCON adapter into the vehicle; then upgraded to J1772) Installed Pioneer AVH-X2700BS system, for bluetooth connection to my phone, much better sound system and mirroring of phone app for new BMS, etc. Oh, and really cool "Knyght Rider" inspired lights: WebPage /> 945431 | ||||||||
| Installed A/C Light Vehicle Kit from Electro Automotive WebPage Got new Li batteries, BMS and charger from Electric Motor Sports WebPage | |||||||||
1999 Geo Metro
“Abbie Normal”
Last Updated 11-26-2018
Copyright © 1997-2024 by Mike Chancey