Home from PickawayRoss Vocational SchoolGetting a 'fill up'.Current cockpit.Ready to install !Final battery set-upShown with battery cover removed.The 'Mutha Board'.Power steering
OwnerFred Brown
LocationCircleville, Ohio United States map
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Vehicle1995 Ford Probe GT
This has always been my vehicle of choice because of aerodynamics and 4-wheel disc brakes. Besides, I love the body style (I have 3 others with ICE and automatic trannys). I found the perfect donor car early in the 1 year planning stage (blown motor, good glass, no rust, all power options worked) for $200.
MotorD&D Motor Systems, Inc. ES-15A Series (40 hp Peak, 12 hp Continuous) Series Wound DC
This is the Wilderness Kit #2 motor for a VW. They wonder how I get 63 mph in a 3000 pound car.
DrivetrainOriginal 5-speed gear box with clutch removed. I shift through all 5 gears, letting up on the accelator to stop the E-motor between shifts and only use 5th on the highway for 55-65 mph.
ControllerAlltrax 7245 (72 vdc/450 amp)
I tinkered with the programming until I came up with what I think are the best settings for me.
Batteries12 Energizer EGC2, 6.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
With a Sam's Club membership and dead cores I picked up locally (for free) they were just under $70 each.
System Voltage72 Volts
ChargerDelta-Q Technologies QuiQ 912-7200
After considering many options, I decided to go big-time and bought this SmartCharger. You just plug it in to a grounded 110v outlet and forget about it.
HeaterSmall ceramic heater/fan mounted on dash. Used basically for defrosting windshield.
DC/DC Converter
None.
I decided to keep the 12v system seperate and backed up the standard 12v battery with two 6v in parallel. These also serve as "reserve power" in emergencies. The 12v system has its own Smart Charger that comes on with the big charger.
InstrumentationCurrently anmeter and voltmeter. All stock gauges work (except gas, of course). Temperature gages are for the motor and controller.
I depend on the trip meter to know how much farther I can go.
Top Speed65 MPH (104 KPH)
The inner and outer belts of Columbus are fairly flat. Highway speeds in 5th gear fall to 50 mph on long slight grades up - and rise to 65 mph on the same grades returning home.
Acceleration0-40 in 30 sec.(at 300+ amp draw) on a flat surface. I like the term someone else used...LEISURELY !
Range35 Miles (56 Kilometers)
From my house to my son's house it's 34 miles through the rolling hills of Southern Ohio. I've made that trip many times with no problems.
EV Miles
Start:104,430 Miles (168,027 Kilometers)
Current:106,200 Miles (170,875 Kilometers)
Total:1,770 Miles (2,847 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity2 adults and lots of trunk space.
Curb Weight3,000 Pounds (1,363 Kilograms)
I striped out about 800 pounds removing the ICE and other components.
The car now weighs 3123 pounds
TiresStock 225/50R16's on aluminum rims. I know I could increase speed and distance with a lighter and more effecient set-up, but they look so-o-o good!
Conversion TimeJune through September 2008 (approx. 650 hours). I wanted to be on the road without gas by my 73rd birthday. Made it with a week to spare !!
Additional FeaturesEmergency Kit:
Fire Extinguisher (don't leave home without it)
4 ft. #2 gauge Jumper (to bypass dead or burning batteries)
Open end wrench (to fit battery terminal bolts)
Safety Glasses
Power steering:
This was a must for me, being 75 (now 77 and going strong) and having had surgery on both rotator cuffs. The MR2 unit works great. It steers my heavy car and wide tires as easily as any ICE car.

Spring 2012 update...Still driving weekly around my hometown of Circleville, OH. Short trips to church, lunch, errands. The batteries now only register 6.5 volts at full charge, but that is enough for my short trips.

September 2015......Unfortunately I am no longer able to enjoy my electric car as my current residence is a local cemetery in Circleville. My son has cleaned and filled all 15 batteries, but they are tired and need replaced. Although he loves this car, I left him with 8 other vehicles as well, and they are all now for sale. If you have an interest in purchasing this completed and driveable electric car, please contact him at AVern2515@aol.com

code by jerry