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Reader Opinion: Automakers Should Convert Existing Models To EVs

 
1,615 views Mar 22, 2010

ford focus bev 001

ford focus bev 001

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Hobbyist and auto manufacturers have different viewpoints on electric vehicles, or EVs. As an EV enthusiast, building a number of all-electric vehicles has been an incredible learning experience for me.

Converted from gasoline to all electric, the cars were highway capable and had a  top speed of 70-plus mph. They could be fast-charged in about 2 hours, and were driven on a daily basis in all kinds of weather for up to 40 miles on a dozen or more lead-acid batteries.

The entire conversion could be done in about a week, and took roughly 100 man-hours of labor.  Total costs were under $10,000, mostly depending of the cost of the donor vehicle, which varied from a few hundred dollars to $2,000.

Auto manufacturers, on the other hand, have to design an EV from the ground up.  Their costs are high, using an AC system vs DC system as one example, and it is difficult for them to make a profit until their EVs can be mass-produced.

The 2010 Tesla Roadster, at $109,000, is an example of what it can cost to design and manufacturer an EV.

To reduce costs, auto manufacturers should consider using existing models and simply convert them to all electric--as Ford, for example, is now doing with its plans for the 2012 Ford Focus Electric.





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Comments (9)

  1. By Brian Posted: 3/22/2010 10:56am PDT

    My time in the automotive industry tells me there are very good reasons why automotive manufacturers have a different perspecive on making EV's. Basicly, the requirements are different. The hobbyist doesn't have to worry about government regulations and certification like a manufacturer does. The hobbyist can accept the low quality of gauges bolted onto the steering column with wires hanging down like in the video. If that appeared on a new car dealer lot the company would be laughed out if existance. Also, the hobbyist doesn't have to worry about support of the product like a manufacturer with spare parts, record keeping, warranty, etc.
    That being said, props to the hobbyists for keeping the idea alive. I eagerly await the day I can join you.
     
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  2. By Noel Park Posted: 3/22/2010 12:32pm PDT

    I'm hoping that the Focus model works. Note that Fiat/Chrysler have just announced a similar strategy based on the Fiat 500. If they can bring a capable BEV to market while minimizing development costs by using an existing model, it will prove to be smart, if the public responds. The cautionary tale is the Prius vs the Civic Hybrid. Even Honda executives have said the Toyota did much better by bringing a stand alone car. Peiople really do like the "green" image.
     
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  3. By Larry Posted: 3/22/2010 2:37pm PDT

    Brian
    In my perspective the major requirements for the car have to be met regardless of whether it gas or electric. If you take the assembly line and divide it at a certain point with the electric chassis going on a different line, which could add jobs, all goverment regulations and certifications will be met. You than have an option for the public to purchase a gas or electric powered version of the vehicle.
     
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  4. By  Todd Horst Posted: 3/23/2010 5:39am PDT

    Maybe i'm way off, but i dont think the civic failed because it looked like a normal car, it failed because it didnt offer any incentive to buy it, fuel savings vs added cost didnt make sense. That was for hybrids though. Ev's are totally different since currently there isnt a way to say cost per mile (without doing a lot of assuming on your own calculations). You dont need to redesign a car to sqeeze out every ounce of effincy you can. By nature ev's are more efficient than a gas counterpart. In summary- hybrids need an ultra efficient ground up build to stand out, evs just need to be ev's.
     
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  5. By  Bret Posted: 3/23/2010 8:36am PDT

    I think there are a lot of good reasons to build an electric car from the ground up, like the EV1 and the Leaf. You need a low coefficient of drag and low rolling resistance to allow for reasonable range and performance. Also, there is the Prius effect, where it's obvious that it's a green car, which appeals to many buyers.
    Having said all of that, I intend to buy a Ford Focus EV, because I want an EV that looks like a normal car. I am more interested in being green, than looking green.
    In my opinion, the combined model approach offers two advantages. First, the costs could be lower, because the production of the model would be higher. Second, the ICE version of the car may become more efficient because of the requirements for the EV version.
    Let's all hope for affordable EVs, because that's what will make the difference in their success. I think that has been the key to the sucess of the Prius.
     
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  6. By Larry Posted: 3/24/2010 12:29pm PDT

    Todd
    The most often asked question was "How far will it go". We have a freeway around the city where the vehicle was driven around and around the loop at 60 mph until the vehicle had to be recharged. So when asked "How far will it go" the answer was always number of miles driven at 60mph.
    Once the miles figure was known the vehicle was recharged. Using an old electric company wattmeter to monitor recharge the meter provided a pretty reliable figure based on actual measurements.
    This gave us our costs per mile to drive the vehicle, normally between 2-3 cents per mile to provide a good comparison to mpg in an ICE. Other costs such as maintenance, insurance, etc. are not included in the figure.
    Hope this helps answer your statement on "Doing a lot of assuming on your own calculations".
     
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  7. By Lucien Lenoire Posted: 3/25/2010 8:02pm PDT

    The Morgan Lifecar is IMO the path to an all electric car. A hydrogen burning fuel cell with the YASA motors, regenerative braking charging ultra capacitors, plus computerised controls is superior to batteries with all their limitations. The LIFECAR is a prototype, which is driveable and available now, if you have 120,000 British pounds. Like all Morgans, it is handbuilt. There is no hydrogen infrastructure NOW, but hydrogen is produced at oil refineries. So an expansion of the Hydrogen Manufacturing Units could provide hydrogen for automotive use. The LIFECAR, like the Ford Quadricycle of 1896, could easily be the forerunner of the practical electric car of ten years from now. No charging stations, no batteries, just an expansion of hydrogen production. Any town which has access to water and electricity could produce hydrogen.
     
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  8. By Larry Posted: 3/28/2010 5:19pm PDT

    Lucien Lenoire
    Visited the web site. Can you keep me updated on this project?
     
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  9. By  Thomas Posted: 3/29/2010 10:35am PDT

    When the Leaf and the Volt his the showrooms later this year you can bet your lucky underpants Ford will be right on their heels with the 2011 Ford Focus Electric Vehicle. I can foresee it in the stars!
     
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