In one of the previous issues of PAC World we introduced the Tesla – an electric sports car that an electrical engineer cannot afford. But it appears that even someone who is not an electrical engineer can have an electric car. With the understanding that green is more than just recycling, that it is also finding solutions to sustainable living, Patrick Roth from Indianapolis, Indiana, USA decided to convert a 1998 Ford ZX2 car to an electric vehicle. It was done in his spare time, in his garage and with his own money. 

On his web site (see the end) he tells the complete story of the selection of the donor vehicle, the components to use for the conversion and the step-by-step conversion process. Everything is illustrated with many photos and videos.

In just over two months and for less than fourteen thousand US dollars (USD 2675 for the donor and USD 11000 for the conversion) he had completed the conversion and as of the time of this writing has driven more than three thousand kilometers).

The top speed that Patrick Roth has reached with his electric vehicle is 70 mph (112 kmph).

He uses fifteen Interstate U8VGC, 8.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, flooded batteries to drive the Advanced DC 203-06-4001A Series Wound DC Motor.

The range of the car is around 40 miles (64 kilometers), but it depends greatly on driving style and outside temperature. In winter, you may only get 20miles, but mild driving in summer can get you over 45.

Since the winter temperatures in Indiana can be very low, Patrick Roth has installed a1500 W ceramic heater with an over-temperature sensor .

The instrumentation includes: ammeter, voltmeter, Curtis battery fuel gauge and the motor over-temperature warning light .

The typical consumption of the car is 300 Wh/Mile.

More information at http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3155482.