rolling frame test skyhook in the shopPassenger compartment with gullwing doorGull wing doorsView of the passenger compartmentUnder the hoodbattery layoutRear View
OwnerJohn Santini
LocationColumbia, New Jersey US map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1988 Pontiac Fiero
OK, so there's not much original from my 1988 Fiero. This is a ground-up EV project which may eventually become a plug-in hybrid. The concept is essentially the same as the Chevy Volt. However, since I decided I MUST use lithium Ion batteries, and they're so expensive, I'm also focusing on low weight and high efficiency
MotorABM 4DGF132Md4 3-Phase AC
This is a specially wound low voltage 3 phase AC motor
DrivetrainCustom single speed direct drive with a Gearbelt and 6:1 ratio. Solid rear axle with tandem rear wheels on a trailing arm.
ControllerCurtis 1238
3 phase AC Motor Controller. Best in the business, IMHO.
Batteries30 Thunder Sky LPH200, 3.30 Volt, Lithium Iron Phosphate
I finally gott a set of 200AH lithium ion cells. I'm very pleased with them. Internal impedance is very low, and the cells seem to stay in balance when new. I plan to add a cell balance circuit soon.
System Voltage100 Volts
Charger MER43WRB-N54D00
These are telecom/industrial chargers made by TDI power. Lightweight and high efficiency. 110 or 220VAC input, 54V/80A (2, one on each half of the pack)
Heaterpair of hair dryers (series/parallel for low/high speed)doubles as defroster. Works very well.
DC/DC Converter
The Vicor brick did not hold up, so I'm using a Syncor block now. good for 228watts, seems to be enough as long as I don't blast the radio on a dark rainy night.
Instrumentationdigital panel meters for volts and amps. Rest is TBD
Top Speed68 MPH (109 KPH)
Geared and plenty of power for the top end of 68MPH.
Acceleration0-60 in 12 seconds
Range90 Miles (144 Kilometers)
90 miles and full performance as a pure electric with the new lithium ion batteries. I originally planned to add a gas engine and alternator to generate 13KW continuous, allowing for continuous cruising on gasoline.
Watt Hours/Mile280 Wh/Mile
this is based on rough road testing. Hope to instrument the car soon and find a nice long level stretch of road.
EV Miles
Current:4,050 Miles (6,516 Kilometers)
 
    As of 7/9/2011
Seating Capacity2 adults
Curb Weight2,050 Pounds (931 Kilograms)
this is my current weight for the finished car with lithium ion batteries.
TiresGeneral Altimax 185/65R14
Conversion Time3 years
Conversion Cost$15K
Additional FeaturesThe motor controller has Regenerative braking which works extremely well. I've tweaked the parameters for regenerative braking. The way I have it set up, it feels as though you're driving a car with a manual transmission in second gear. I can drive it to work (18.5 miles/30 minutes) without ever touching the brake pedal.

Had to add motorized struts to raise and lower the gull wing doors. Eliminated the door latches and associated alignment problems. Also added a driver to activate the brake lights whenever the regen current is above 60 amps.
I've got it registered now and started driving it to work. Check out my website for the running build diary. WebPage />

code by jerry