OwnerMichael Chamberlain
LocationPflugerville, Texas United States map
Email email image
Vehicle1992 Toyota Tercel
MotorD&D Motor Systems, Inc. ES-33 Series Wound DC
48-96V, 7/8" single-shaft, 6.7" Dia x 11.53" Long, 35 HP peak, 58 lbs.
Drivetrain4 speed
ControllerCurtis 1221C-7401
72-120V, 400 amp current limit, 11.5 lbs.
Batteries12 Sam's Club U8VGC, 8.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
Made by Interstate, sold at Sam's 170AH. Length 10 1/4, Width 7 1/8, Height 11 1/3. Weight 65lbs.
System Voltage96 Volts
ChargerQuick Charge 72V-10A and Schumacher 24V
Smart charger, good for Flooded, Gel or AGM.
HeaterNone
InstrumentationNone
Top Speed55 MPH (88 KPH)
At 72 volts. 75 mph at 96 volts.
AccelerationSimilar to original Tercel.
Range35 Miles (56 Kilometers)
Drive 24 miles to work. Recharge at work for 9 hours, then drive home.
EV Miles
Start:167,000 Miles (268,703 Kilometers)
Current:176,000 Miles (283,184 Kilometers)
Total:9,000 Miles (14,481 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity2 adults and 2 kids.
Curb Weight2,400 Pounds (1,090 Kilograms)
Original weight 1950 pounds. Completely empty 1600 pounds.
Tiresp155 80 R13
Conversion Time12 months.
Conversion Cost$3500
Additional FeaturesAdded stronger springs to the rear to accommodate the extra weight. Added external cooling fan to the motor for summer driving.
My office added an outlet and meter so that I could recharge during the day. I reimburse them at .10 cents per kilowatt hour.

72 volts wasn't working for me. So I added 3 more batteries. It's a little peppier and has more range.

I also noticed Lithium batteries for sale on a couple of EV websites. Looks impressive, but the cost needs to come down a bit.

Here's a link to the conversion..
WebPage

Here's a link to a recent article..
WebPage

code by jerry