Picture 1Picture 2Picture 4
OwnerTim Lambert
LocationRising Sun, Indiana United States map
Email email image
Vehicle1997 Geo Metro
MotorGeneral Electric Series Wound DC
36V DC Motor pulled from a 1973 Clark electric forklift. Approximately 800rpm
Drivetrain11.5 inch Series Wound DC Motor coupled to 5 speed manual transmission
ControllerGeneral Electric 210
General Electric 210 controller
Batteries6 Interstate U2200UT, 6.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
System Voltage36 Volts
ChargerLester Lestronic II
36V automatic charger
HeaterNA
DC/DC Converter HWZ Series 36V - 12V DC
HWZ Series 36V - 12V DC 300W
InstrumentationCurtis 36V Battery Monitor Gauge
Top Speed35 MPH (56 KPH)
Top Speed in 5th gear is approximately 35 mph on a flat level road.
AccelerationAcceleration is pretty good. Accelerates 0 - 35 mph in about 5 or 6 seconds
Range12 Miles (19 Kilometers)
I suspect if I add 6 more batteries 25 mile range could be achievable. To add 6 more batteries the rear springs would need to be replaced for stiffer springs.
EV Miles
Start:130,266 Miles (209,597 Kilometers)
Current:130,286 Miles (209,630 Kilometers)
Total:20 Miles (32 Kilometers)
 
    As of 8/2/2009
Seating CapacitySeats Two adults up front. Back seat has been removed for battery storage.
Curb Weight2,000 Pounds (909 Kilograms)
I have not weighed car but I would guess car weight is approximately 2000lbs
TiresP155/80 R13
Conversion Timeseven months
Conversion Cost$2,500.00
Motor and controller came out of a 1973 clark electric forklift. DC motors have the highest torque at the lowest rpm and this motor is easily able to take off in 5th gear. Controller is a GE210. As far as I know this is one of the earliest SCR controllers made. The accelerator potentiometer has two micro switches. The first micro switch turns on scr and send 0-5kohm signal to drive. SCR send pulses to motor based off of the 0-5kohm signal. The second micro switch puts the motor directly in line with a resistor for field weakening of the motor allowing the motor to have higher rpm but lower torque. Car is great for driving to town and back and it is incredible that the controller still is in operation since 1973.

code by jerry