[ausev] EV Transportation - Motorcycle vs Car

[Chris Robison]

Dustin wrote:
> Thanks for this information, is there a equivalent book to El Ninja if
> we want to convert a car (Jeep)?

The classic books on converting cars are "Convert It"

http://www.amazon.com/Convert-Michael-Brown/dp/1879857944

and "Build Your Own Electric Vehicle"

http://www.amazon.com/Build-Your-Own-Electric-Vehicle/dp/0830642315

These are good books, but be aware they're a bit dated. These days, most 
people seem to get their information from looking at other projects 
(http://evalbum.com) and asking around. Among other things, that what 
we're here for.  :o)


> Other then the initial cost of the donor vehicle what are the
> additional costs that go along with cars that motorcycles don't have?

First, there's the obvious stuff related to the size of the vehicle; 
you'll need a larger motor, controller, battery charger, and more batteries.

Then, there's the power assist stuff that isn't necessary on a 
motorcycle; you'll probably need a power steering pump and a vacuum pump 
for brakes and maybe for dash vents.

Sometimes motorcycle conversions will get by on just a 12V accessory 
battery by itself for headlights, horn, etc. On a car or truck you'll 
want a DC/DC converter to provide 14V to keep your accessory battery 
going -- it replaces the alternator. There's generally a lot more stuff 
running on the accessory system in a car (stereo, dash lights, blower, 
power steering pump, windows and locks, etc) and it doesn't run as well 
on 12V as it does on 14V.

You may also want air conditioning, so you'll need an electric 
compressor, or you'll want to drive your A/C with a separate motor.

With a car, you can go cheap and use flooded batteries; with a 
motorcycle, I'd be a little more leery about using batteries that could 
leak acid if you ever get the bike on its side. Probably better to go 
with sealed batteries.

Then there's power transmission to the wheel -- most motorcycle 
conversions drive the rear wheel directly through sprockets and a chain. 
Most cars and trucks use a transmission of some kind, and mating the 
motor to the transmission will involve making a hub and adapter plate. 
This is pretty different from a motorcycle project.

   --chris