The gasoline engine was removed and, at first, the car was fitted with an electric forklift motor. We were able to drive the car down the street at 15 mph using a 48-volt battery pack (deep-cycle, lead-acid batteries). Results: 48 volts is simply not enough for an electric car. However, in order to up the voltage we also needed to get a new motor that could handle a higher voltage. As of July 2011, new equipment has arrived to upgrade the car. See below.
Photo above: New 19 HP motor on the left with old motor on the right.
Photo above: Speed sensor on motor.
Photo above: Lithium-Iron-Phosphate batteries (45 batteries at 3.2 volts each = 144 volts).
Photo above: ElCon battery charger.
Photo above: Mini BMS - Battery Management System - keeps the batteries regulated and balanced.
Photo above: Single unit of BMS - one for each battery.
More details on this new equipment:
Curtis PB-6 Potbox Potentiometer
Lithium Phosphate Batteries - 144 volts
Mini BMS - Battery Management System
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