OwnerArthur Matteson
LocationJackson, Michigan United States map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1980 Renault LeCar
MotorBaldor EM3314T 3-Phase AC
230 Volt 15 HP, 3525 RPM, modified shaft
DrivetrainOriginal 4-speed transmission with homebuilt coupler and motor mount
Controller
home built 60kW AC, air-cooled but no fans, eventually FOC
Batteries4, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
110 Ah deep cycle eventually
System Voltage60 Volts
ChargerUS Electricar
48 Volt, 30 Amp, eventually homebuilt with PFC
HeaterOriginal US Electricar 48V, on passenger side
DC/DC Converter
two 26Ah batteries but eventually homebuilt
InstrumentationPossible 320x240 color LCD display
Top Speed70 MPH (112 KPH)
hoping
AccelerationHoping for 0 to 60 MPH in under 10 seconds
Range60 Miles (96 Kilometers)
planned city miles on 8 batteries
Seating Capacity5 adults, stuffed (a very narrow car)
Curb Weight2,250 Pounds (1,022 Kilograms)
roughly, depending on battery count
TiresKelly Metric Radial 145R13, 44 PSI maximum
Conversion Time3.5 years to design to this point
Conversion Cost$3000 excluding waste and blown parts
Additional FeaturesThis vehicle is designed to accept a battery voltage anywhere from 96 to 144 Volt, which it turns into about 350 Volt for the chopping. It allows easier charging, is less dangerous, is less expensive, yet still allows for quick performance and a good range.
CLICK THIS LINK TO SEE MOVIE OF EV IN ACTION I'm a 20-year-old Michigan State University student (EE) who has been working on this car for four years. My first experiment was an improved series-motor controller (the car was originially converted by US Electricar). Unfortunately, the system was quite wasteful, and I wanted to try AC. It turns out that it draws significantly less current and seems very promising. Regenerative braking works very well; too well in fact. Soon I will have my DC-DC power supply to test a higher voltage. The car is in a continual state of improvement. Please check my website for updates, more pictures, and videos. I may write an article for Home Power on it, so be sure to look for that as well.

code by jerry