Electric Car Conversion 101 video 003

video Electric Car Conversion 101 video 003

See how to convert a Dodge Neon to a 300v Electric car with a huge AC motor.

Part 3 continues with adapter plate and coupler design.

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gahrere says: Dec 14, 2008. 11:43 AM

Hi, Ben, that was great, very great indeed, in fact you should be the overall winner. The video was so clear and you were very composed and as focused as a university lecturer. My question however is how will the gearbox function without the converter or flywheel pressure plate and clutch place?. By placing the LOVEJOY coupling between the gearbox and motor I don't think the transmission can shift unless you are a genius in mechanics and dynamics. But your work is gorgeous. Keep on the good work we are waiting more from you. God Bless you.

Blenderizer in reply to gahrereDec 10, 2009. 6:24 PM

Electric cars don't need to shift, as all of the motor's torque is available at 0RPM

bennelson (author) in reply to BlenderizerDec 11, 2009. 7:16 AM

That's a bit of a myth. Electric cars don't need a clutch, but they usually still need to shift.

With a powerful enough motor, at high enough voltage, you wouldn't need multiple gears.

In my electric Geo Metro, I can burn rubber in first gear, but can't drive any faster than 15 mph. In 5th gear, I still can pull away from a dead stop (without a clutch) but it has very poor acceleration and pulls too many amps.

My car actually drives pretty well by just leaving it in third and driving it like an automatic. The acceleration is ok. The amperage is OK, and it's appropriate for city driving of 0-35 mph.

Blenderizer in reply to bennelsonDec 12, 2009. 8:55 PM

Yep, I think thats what I might do (lock my truck conversion in 3rd, and have a 1st gear for "haulin'" stuff.) Our intended motor is a 5000 rpm model, so first gear will provide plenty of torque for getting up to the ski slopes :)