OwnerMitchell Bisby
LocationPerth, Western Australia Australia map
WebWebPage
Vehicle1990 Mazda MX-5
MotorNetgain Warp 9 Series Wound DC
Limited to 170kW with about 380nm at 0rpm.
DrivetrainStock 5-speed manual with Stage 2 clutch.
ControllerEvnetics Soliton 1
1000 Amp.
Batteries62 CALB/Skyenergy CA100, 3.20 Volt, Lithium Iron Phosphate
27 cells under the bonnet, 27 behind the seats
(in the fuel-tank cavity), and another 8
recessed under the boot floor. A contactor
isolated the front and rear packs when the IGN
key is off.
System Voltage198 Volts
ChargerZivan NG3
2.2kW charger.
HeaterHotstart Tank Heater plumbed into factory
heater core.
Matrix has been modified to route air through
the core at all times, and the temperature
lever now triggers a mico-switch that turns on
the heater and pump when pushed to 'hot' to
retain functionality.
DC/DC ConverterMeanwell HLG-600H-15-A
400W LED power supply unit. Adjustable Vo and Io
(7.5-15V and 18-36A)
InstrumentationZEVA EVMS Core showing SOC on factory fuel
gauge (can also show motor temp on factory
gauge, but this is not connected).
ZEVA BMS Monitor touch-screen display showing
instant voltage, amps, Kw, Aux. battery
voltage, chassis isolation, motor temp and
state of charge, as well as individual cell
voltages and an overall cell summary. The
Display is also used to program various
parameters and features (such as a digital
fuse rating, balance shunt voltage, float
voltage to re-set SOC etc.).
Top Speed110 MPH (176 KPH)
Limited by gearing/RPM
AccelerationFast. 0-100kmh in 5-6 seconds.
Gets wheel-spin in 2nd, and 3rd, and 4th.
Range80 Miles (128 Kilometers)
110-130km (70-80 miles), depending on driving
style and terrain.
Watt Hours/Mile106 Wh/Mile
Efficiency ranges from 155-180Wh/km (96-
112Wh/mile) depending on driving style and
terrain.
EV Miles
Start:155,000 Miles (249,395 Kilometers)
Current:177,000 Miles (284,793 Kilometers)
Total:22,000 Miles (35,398 Kilometers)
 
    As of 1/29/2024
Seating Capacity2 adults
Curb Weight2,425 Pounds (1,102 Kilograms)
1,100kg, or about 50kg over the real-world
original kerb weight.
Conversion TimeAbout 12 months of weekends to get it running,
and another 6-12 months to refine various bits
and pieces.
Conversion CostAbout $22,000AUD.
Around $10,000 for the batteries, $5,500 for the
motor and controller, and $6,500 for the rest.
Additional FeaturesGiven the high mileage, extra power being added, and role as a daily
driver, I used the conversion process as an opportunity to overhall
the suspension and under-body of the car, including reconditioning
the subframes and control arms (no rust to speak of, thanks to the
dry Australian climate!), fitting new hubs and bearings, polyurethane
bushes all-round, larger brakes, and adjustable coil-over suspension.

code by jerry