OwnerLisa Macafee
LocationAliso Viejo, California United States map
Email email image
Vehicle1970 Opel GT
In progress. Removed ICE components into heaps in my garage. Ordered adapter plate from ElectroAuto.com, and just bought my motor/controller/wiring/etc from KTA Services (who have been GREAT!).
MotorHPEVS HPEVS AC50 3-Phase AC
Should be enough power for commuting. I don't want a race car, but I need to get enough performance to be safe on CA freeways.

Does this need special cooling, or is venting via air ducts enough?
DrivetrainManual original transmission, I decided to keep the clutch because of others' reports of waiting for seconds at a green light until the gear kicked in!
ControllerCurtis 650AMP
To power 108V LiFePO4 batteries. The AC50/Curtis controller combo has the advantage of coming with the wiring harness, gauges, & display.
Batteries34 GBS 200ah, 3.20 Volt, Lithium Iron Phosphate
With 200ah I should be able to make my commute daily just fine (37 miles freeway, 44 miles total). Still waiting to be able to afford the batteries.
System Voltage108 Volts
ChargerZivan
Zivans seem pretty standard, I'll buy a charger whenever I buy the batteries.
Heaternone. Maybe install a hairdryer the first winter if it gets cold, but "cold" here is 40F. :)
DC/DC ConverterElcon 132-168VDC sealed unit
Is it necessary to keep a standard starter battery with a DC/DC converter?
InstrumentationGoing to rig the dash warning lights to the controller, should be able to use a lot of the stock gauges/lights that way. Add voltmeter/ammeter that comes with the AC50, and speed sensor.
Top Speed75 MPH (120 KPH)
Hopefully... should be no problem, the problem is having speed AND range for a reasonable price tag.
AccelerationJust looking to be able to accelerate with speed of traffic.
Range65 Miles (104 Kilometers)
Hopefully. I need 44 miles at freeway speeds for minimum daily driving. If I can't make this, my husband will be very upset at how much the car has already cost!!
Watt Hours/MileApproximated.
EV Miles
Start:448 Miles (720 Kilometers)
Current:448 Miles (720 Kilometers)
Total:0 Miles (0 Kilometers)
Seating CapacityStock two person.
Curb Weight2,000 Pounds (909 Kilograms)
Very light and aerodynamic (.39 Cd), so should be a good fit for EV!
TiresStock, would like to upgrade to aluminum wheels and low rolling-resistance tires...
Conversion TimeSo far 2 months researching and buying donor car, disassembling ICE. I imagine many more because I only work on the car when teaching high school's not taking my time... which is never.
::Update:: 8 months so far, and I just bought the motor + parts. It's the affording that's the hurdle, not the putting together...
Conversion CostDonor car = $3,400 bought 8/12
EV Parts = $6,364.19 2/12
Batteries = About $12,000 depending on what funds are available in a year... or two.
If anybody has suggestions, I'm all ears. The only thing I'm particularly set on is non-lead batteries. I know lead-acid would be cheaper, but the car's max payload is 550lbs, so lithium it must be!

So glad to take out the ICE components, especially since some just fell off in my hand (the throttle linkage!), and some were completely rusted through as to be very dangerous. Not to mention the smells. Recycling a smart looking car to "new" again is great fun!

code by jerry