OwnerMichael Bonard
LocationPotomac, Maryland United States map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle2000 Plymouth Neon
Commuter car with a range of 15 - 20 miles.
MotorAdvanced DC FB1-4001 A Advance DC Motors 9 In. Series Wound DC
with rear shaft: cost efficient with plenty of power.
DrivetrainUses the existing gearbox and clutch.
ControllerCurtis 1231C-8601
Considering performance, quality and price, probably best deal available.
Batteries12 Tempest 120-12, 120 Ah, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, AGM
These are sealed AGM lead acid batteries (no fumes, no corrosion) which are moderately priced. These batteries were not deep cycle (I was misled by the vendor). Currently three batteries are non working.
System Voltage144 Volts
ChargerDelta-Q Technologies Quick charge Corporation
144 V, 10 Ampere model. I have added 12 individual chargers (12 V 8 amp) made by the battery provider company to allow precise end of charge equalization of each battery. These are inexpensive but sophisticated chargers which will help prolong the battery life.
HeaterRM 4 Electric 4 Kw Fluid heater supplied by Metric Mind.
DC/DC ConverterIota IOTA 45 A
45 A current capability.
InstrumentationExisting instrument speedometer and odometer. Added traction battery pack Ammeter and Voltmeter; There is a provision for a motor tachometer.
Top Speed60 MPH (96 KPH)
I easily reached 60 mph on highway, but I have not pushed beyond yet.
AccelerationBetter than expected. I am usually driving in 2nd gear for city traffic at speeds less that 35 mph to improve acceleration, and 3rd gear for higher speeds. The starting torque is amazing!
Range15 Miles (24 Kilometers)
Due to lead acid battery limitations, only 15 miles were reasonably achieved (144 volts, 120 ah, 17 kwh max.
Watt Hours/Mile250 Wh/Mile
This is a wall to wheels measurement.
EV Miles
Start:126,000 Miles (202,734 Kilometers)
Current:127,050 Miles (204,423 Kilometers)
Total:1,050 Miles (1,689 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity5 adults plus luggage in the trunk.
Curb Weight2,564 Pounds (1,165 Kilograms)
Base curb weight of the original car. Reinforced springs have been installed on all four wheels to take care of the extra battery weight.
TiresStandard
Conversion TimeMore than 12 month duration start to finish, due to extensive travel and health problems.
Conversion CostApprox. $18,100 including the donor car.
Additional FeaturesI have replaced the front and rear springs by heavy duty springs, added a vacuum pump, a electric heater, and a power steering pump.

Car has been registered in Maryland, running and road legal.
Replacing the batteries with LiFePO4 cells would provide a range of at least 60 miles. I have designed a new battery configuration using CALB SE180AHA 180 ah LiFePO4 battery cells.

code by jerry