OwnerAndrew 'Australian' Milks
LocationWinchester, England United Kingdom map
Vehicle1995 Reliant Robin
A three-wheeled car with rear-wheel-drive and original petrol engine located in front behind the front wheel. I bought and restored the car in 2005 but the engine was dodgy and blew a rod several months later. It sat for two years without an engine or gearbox.
Motor
Still under construction. I have managed to source most of the bits for free as I have been given, or found, lots of electronic gizmos. I have gotten hold of some electric motors but don't have the details at hand. I do plan to fit a small diesel generator to power the three batteries. Reliant three-wheelers are small, very light-weight and simple to work on. There are very few 401kg four-seater cars out there so it makes an ideal project.
DrivetrainI kept the original rear driven axle and the standard gearbox (4-speed manual) because the gearbox weighs a mere 8kg. I was encouraged to fit an electric motor out of inspiration for some videos I saw on Youtube. I have undertaken some interesting car engine conversions but this is in a different league. I have to say honestly that I lack experience in this field.
Batteries0.00 Volt,
Still being decided. All the bits are there but details need to be finalized.
HeaterNone.
InstrumentationStandard
Top Speed50 MPH (80 KPH)
AccelerationSlow, just like the original car!
Range400 Miles (643 Kilometers)
This is what I am planning on. As I said earlier, I am not that experienced in electric propulsion but will see what happens.
EV Miles
Start:45,000 Miles (72,405 Kilometers)
Current:45,000 Miles (72,405 Kilometers)
Total:0 Miles (0 Kilometers)
 
    As of 11/25/2009
Seating Capacity4 adults
Curb Weight880 Pounds (399 Kilograms)
Must keep below 450kg to keep within the UK classification of a tricycle (lower tax). However, electric vehicles have free road tax in this country, so I believe.
TiresStandard
Conversion TimeJust started collecting the parts. Hopefully no longer than the end of 2010.
Additional FeaturesNone so far. Will be lowering the ride height for better stability and streamlining.
Will be making a series of videos to put on Youtube. Once again, not my forte, but we will see! Any advice or comments will be well received.

code by jerry