Charging E espaceKokam Li-Po batteries
OwnerAndrej Pecjak - METRON Institute
Owner's Other EVs1992 Renault R5 Elektro
2005 Mazda RX-8
2006 Smart Roadster
1999 Smart ForTwo
2010 Dacia Sandero EV
2005 Smart Roadster
1974 Volkswagen 1303 Beetle
2005 Mazda 5
LocationPodnart, Gorenjska Slovenia map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1995 Renault Espace
Espace II converted to PHEV with top speed of 75 mph, pure EV range of 120-130 miles and over 200 miles of Hybrid range with consumption of 2,5 litres of Diesel per 100 km
Motor Stoja 3-Phase AC
34 kW, max. 6000 rpm, water cooled
Drivetrain34 kW 3 phase EM, 12 kW 900 ccm diesel
Controller Stoja
Frequency regulator up to 240A
Batteries52, 3.70 Volt, Lithium-Polymer
210 Ah Li-Po batteries 192 V system voltage
System Voltage192 Volts
Heater1400 W electric air heater for defrosting and light cold, additional Webasto air 2000 diesel heater for cold winter days
DC/DC Converter Piktronik / Solar cells
Two Piktronik (Slovenian company)200 W DC DC converter with the addition of 150 W solar cells from Actinia solar
InstrumentationVGA 7" monitor where all parameters are shown. A small laptop that is hidden in the dashboard runs everything.
Top Speed75 MPH (120 KPH)
Accelerationlike good commercial vehicle, but too slow for everyday traffic in Slovenija
Range130 Miles (209 Kilometers)
on pure EV drive, otherwise more, but not yet tested
Watt Hours/Mile300 Wh/Mile
EV Miles
Current:13,500 Miles (21,721 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity5 adults
Curb Weight3,700 Pounds (1,681 Kilograms)
Tires14"
Conversion Time18 months
Conversion Cost20 000 + 20 000 for batteries, all parts except the generator have been reused in Bolt
Additional FeaturesWe are now building (with help of Actinia solar) a 3 kW solar power plant to charge this car to follow the idea of Solar mobility
Since 14.may 2008 the car has been equipped by Li-Po batteries! They are something completelly different from Trojan Lead acid we had before and I think they can ruin the petrol domination.
E Espace was dismantled in may 2009 and another car "The Bolt" has been built from its components. The car was too old and it would need complete refurnishing.
Retired April 2009 as it would be too expensive to buy a new set of LiPo batteries for our new project "The bolt".
As new LiPo batteries are very powerfull the generator was no longer needed, so it has become just an additional weight. Basically a pilot learning project..

On the road from August 2007 till April 2009 doing 13000 electric km and about 500 hybrid km miles without much troubles or breakdowns (2 breakdowns).
Basically we did it to prove that it is possible and that if 3 men in a garage can do it, a car manufacturing company could do it much better and cheaper. So there is no will....

code by jerry