I Got It!!!

The EV-grin! Very quiet, smooth and powerful. I'll experiment to see top speed and range. (assuming of course I pass the driver's test)

Batteries & Motor Connected

All the wiring is done except the DC-DC converter and a few small details on the 12V side. Getting ready to go out tomorrow. I think I'll wear the RED!

The Other Side

In this view the BMS can be seen.

The Motor and Batteries Installed

72V X 60Ahrs of battery barely fit. There are a lot of smaller components that need to find space; the battery management system, the DC-DC converter, fuse and contactor. No room for an on-board charger at this point.

THE BATTERY TRAY(s)

Here is the rather "busy" battery tray. I'm planning 6-12V, 20lb. GBS Lithium batts. that come in a kit with a 72V charger and BMS system (which I've read has given some trouble, we'll see). This presents a good example of waste in the structural design when a vehicle is converted from a "purpose built" platform. How nice it would be to start from the ground up designing around the components intended for the bike! (Waa-waa, I know)

AND - THE "GO" STICK

The throttle pot is a bit hard to see as I positioned it backwards in the front web to be close to where I want the controller.

MOTOR MOUNTED

Here's the motor mounted and chained up to the sprockets. 12T to 72T for a 6:1 ratio. The motor reportedly gives 50 rpm/volt for around 3600 rpm which should yield 43 mph with my tire size. I want closer to 60 so plan to increase front sprocket a couple teeth at a time and see what happens to acceleration as I approach it.

In Praise of Cardboard

After taking off major parts there's a myriad of smaller no longer needed widgets, brackets, lines, wires, etc. Having completed their removal, cardboard mock-ups serve well to plan arrangement of the new components. Cardboard batteries don't deliver much current, but then cardboard motors don't draw much either.

This exercise made clear I would need some space in the gas tank, so I butchered it as a result.

Got Her Stripped

First step is to rid her of all the evil ICE stuff. I'm sure she's gonna miss the 123 hp.










Come on - take it all off.

LOOK WHAT I FOUND!

Well - what's next? The car hasn't sold although gas is sky high. I can't figure it. Seems like folks look at the value of a '97 Hyundai Accent rather than a newly converted electric. And I find I enjoy the converting more than owning/driving.

So - I rescued this wounded soldier from Big Rapids. It has two tennis ball sized holes in the engine that must have made quite a 'statement' when she blew!

What case can be made for an electric motorcycle in Michigan? It (as well as my electric car) are only occasional vehicles for me since a gas car is still needed for range. The first thing with a bike is that less is invested. Then there is no need for a heater or A/C or p.b. or p.s. Maybe for this one I can spring for Li. batts. After staring at it a while I realize if there were no such advantages I would just have to make some up!