Got some funny looks at Corley services at the weekend

[moggy]

Timo - The Current Racing guys set another world record for an electric drag car 0-150mph in 8.5 seconds. Now that's nuts

Keith - It is automatic. I just leave it in 3rd gear, press the accelerator and away you go, break to stop, no need to press the clutch pedal or change gear.

[orkneydave]

It is automatic. I just leave it in 3rd gear, press the accelerator and away you go, break to stop, no need to press the clutch pedal or change gear.

Could you do away with the gearbox altogether? Also, is reverse selected on the gerbox or electronically?

[Magnum]

Thanks Moggy

I shall read and learn.
BTW I did think of the PV panel way to "fuel" your car - has to be the best way and simply brilliant.

Thinking ahead - the way Paris has gone, and doubt many other cities in the coming years, surely us classic car lovers are unquestionably going to be getting more familiar with this?

Medium-long term are only the most "deserving" and/or limited numbers of our fossil fueled classic cars going to be exempted from future draconian laws limiting or even banning usage? What happens to values then? How long will this be in for instance the more highly regulated first world countries?


Regards

[CQuest8]

Moggy, that Beetle looks awesome!

What is required to get the 1303 upto the 200 mile range? Is it just more batteries?

Chris
(Tesla Model S owner)

[Nick Moss]

Thinks. Both Teslas and Beetles have separate flat floor chassis. Beetle on a Tesla chassis anyone?

[Tosh]

Nick
Have a look at the Little and Large thread. That may give you and an answer...

Magnus
I think we'd end up with a limited number of days/miles a year limiting useage

[moggy]

Nick - already looked into this. See below the similarities. Unfortunately the Tesla is MUCH wider than a bug, also availability of said Tesla chassis makes this an impossible task.



Dave - Yes, you can do without the gearbox but it's easier to retrofit into classics when you retain the gearbox. I've run the numbers and the weight saving of getting rid of the gearbox vs extended range isn't worth the hassle. I have the option in the motor controller to have a reverse motor direction switch so you can reverse in 4th if you like. However, I've not bothered as you can change gear into reverse without needing to use the clutch (as the motor is not turning when you are static).

Chris - 200 mile range is possible with more energy dense battery solutions. I'm using Tesla batteries in the 1303 to achieve the 200 mile range.

[sladey]

Absolutely brilliant

[Tony]

Moggy,
leaving it in 3rd obviously makes it very simple to use but could you use the gearbox? Would that further optimize range/performance?

Tony

[gridgway]

The red beetle will be available for sale end of August

So I have to ask...how much will it be?
Graham

[Gary71]

Nicely done. It looks a very elegant installation.

I understand the desire for range but using Tesla batteries without the structural protection offered by the floor is highly questionable due to the risk of damage and thermal runaway. I'm sure you are aware of the different lithium battery tech.

Sorry to be a bit negative about the next step you are planning, but it's a huge one.

I wish you every success with your venture but please stick to your current batteries

[orkneydave]

Dave - Yes, you can do without the gearbox but it's easier to retrofit into classics when you retain the gearbox. I've run the numbers and the weight saving of getting rid of the gearbox vs extended range isn't worth the hassle. I have the option in the motor controller to have a reverse motor direction switch so you can reverse in 4th if you like. However, I've not bothered as you can change gear into reverse without needing to use the clutch (as the motor is not turning when you are static).

Thanks for you answer Moggy, makes sense to keep it simple when retro-fitting. I guess I like the switch on the Morgan EV3! I remember reading about an MGF that had been converted a few years ago albeit with a 40 mile range I think. They too had left the gearbox in but removed the gearstick (after putting it in 3rd) and switched to reverse via the motor.

Would love to do this with my MGB but suspect cost may be an issue. I also think I would need closer to a 200 mile range to be practical as a daily driver and also have concerns over winter useability.

Very impressed though and look forward to seeing updates on the 1303!

[moggy]

Moggy,
leaving it in 3rd obviously makes it very simple to use but could you use the gearbox? Would that further optimize range/performance?

Tony

You're absolutely correct Tony. Yes, you can indeed use the gearbox as it was intended, which then optimizes range and performance. There's a battery monitor I've put on the dash, which blends in as best as possible with the vintage look to the dash, that tells the driver how efficiently they're driving, how much is left in the battery, how long you've got left to drive and how many Amps the motor is taking. That last one is used to decide whether or not it's more efficient to drive in 3rd or 4th e.g. at 60mph the motor might be pulling 120amps in 3rd, change up to 4th and you might see the amps drop to 85, therefore at that speed it's more efficient to drive in 4th.



One word of warning though, around town skip 1st and just use 2nd, the instant torque of the motor means that 1st is just for burnouts and doughnuts

[revo]

That's great looks fantastic, and very good work well done would love to see it.

[Bertroex]

Wow. Seriously impressed by this development! Suddenly, there is a future for classics in a way never imagined before!

1 question though: what safety implications are there in case of a crash? Are these batteries sealed and securely fastened?


Cheers,


Bert