Two years after Ford unveiled their e-crate motors [0] and it being available for the public[1], are there any interesting ev conversions? Any plans to use these motors in the future? To me, it seems that this approach to converting ICE to EVs should be quite popular with privacy-minded individuals. Yes, the cost may be a bit prohibitive at this time but technology evolves and at some point it may be more tractable. I just can't seem to get past all of the connectivity in current EVs, I by far rather tackle one of these conversions.<p>[0] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29092212
[1] https://www.fordracingbyspeedshopdirect.com/mobile/product.aspx?ProductCode=m%2D9000%2Dmache&404;http://www.fordracingbyspeedshopdirect.com:80/ELUMINATOR_MACH_E_ELECTRIC_MOTOR_p/M-9000-MACHE.htm?gclid=Cj0KCQjww4OMBhCUARIsAILndv6efe4XCxsqTxdnOId70MWG8ZiW9NChbKXqA-vgPZ7hVSxkifvsyPYaApb5EALw_wcB
You can get the motor but, have to figure out everything else on your own. There other expensive parts. Add the cost of batteries and you might as well buy a new EV.
I have come across several businesses that do conversions. Batteries are by far the biggest issue. ICE cars can't easily accommodate sufficient batteries. All the conversions I have looked at connect the electric motor to the gearbox with rear wheel drive cars. The range is only 200-300 mile at best. Getting cars roadworthy and certified after a conversion is a substantial exercise.<p>Unless you are converting a rust free, mechanically sound classic car, the typical conversion cost is just too much to be a realistic option.
There are a couple shops that are doing EV conversions already, for not that much compared to a new EV. The issue is that since the vehicle isn't designed for batteries and an electric motor, there is a lot of wasted space and the safety of the batteries is kind of a grey area.<p>It's also prohibitevly expensive to get enough batteries for distance, and the controlers are awfully finicky and you kind of have to fight proprietary software if I remember correctly.<p>I just think we aren't there yet - but maybe I'm wrong!
The Venn diagram of EV conversion culture and the redneck hotrod community is almost nothing. I doubt these will ever be a hot commodity. It's more fun to pull a motor and battery out of a junkyard Model S or 3 and swap it into something.
I'm thinking Lotus Super 7 clone, but no idea where the batteries would go...<p><a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=31972346">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=31972346</a>
I'm interested in this when they come out with the 1kwh/kg batteries that are supposed to be in testing. Seems like a great option to convert a pickup truck given its ability to handle more weight and have more space in the engine bay,under the bed, etc. Removing the engine and accessories you could swap in a 250kwh battery at a similar weight. Swap the transmission for an electric motor, and it's pretty appealing.