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Alternative Fuels For all those conversations about LPG, Electric, Hydrogen. Anything but petrol and diesel...

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  #1  
Old 12th January 2017, 12:22 PM
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Goran Goran is offline
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Question Forum Project - Electric D2?

Apologies if this is in the wrong section.

I know this is a crazy idea, but it sounds so interesting to me I have to give it a shot.

How does everyone feel about a joint forum project to convert a D2 to electric?
The donor car would be one without an engine and trans, or where both engine or trans have failed. Or simply one which is ultra cheap.

I admit I don't know how the logistics would work on this, and I certainly would not have the technical knowledge to lead the project or be a major contributor as there are much more technical members here, but I'm willing to put effort and money in to make it happen.

The central idea would be to keep it ultra cheap, with parts such as motors etc from scrap yards. The range does not have to be huge, maybe even as low as 10 to 20 miles so it would just be a daily runaround.
Also to keep the conversion simple so that it can be replicated by individuals who might want to have a electric D2 runaround.

I notice that there are quite a few Nissan Leafs being broken these days, and lithium batteries are coming down in price, so it may be feasible.

Or as a cheaper option, motors could be found from scrap yards and old lead acid batteries refurbed?

The added bonus would be that we would be saving D2 bodies if this could be made to work.

Let me know your thoughts.
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Old 12th January 2017, 12:36 PM
mattylondon mattylondon is offline
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Sounds very feasible to me. Was this project born from the latest Wheeler Dealer where they retrofitted a Maserati Biturbo to electric?? That programme gave a general insight but held back a bit on technical knowledge. I'd love to help
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Old 12th January 2017, 12:45 PM
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I would be definitely interested as you leave only 10min drive from me.
I could offer some labour, research/sourcing bits, but don't count on knowledge-this is not my cup of tea - petrol is my fuel all day everyday until I die
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Old 12th January 2017, 12:51 PM
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moltuae moltuae is offline
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Sounds an interesting idea

I might be able to help if any custom electronics or programming is needed (if I can find the time).
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Old 12th January 2017, 07:40 PM
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homer simpson homer simpson is offline
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If you haven't already seen it, watch this week's Wheeler Dealers (aired 9th Jan). They bought a Maserati Bi-Turbo project that had been partially converted and continued the conversion using up-to-date parts, within a budget of course. Was quite interesting.

https://youtu.be/HltFaAZ9oDw
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Old 12th January 2017, 07:47 PM
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Ameiseuk Ameiseuk is offline
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Interesting project, spend my time working with electric forklifts so i have a ready source of motors/controllers etc.

For simplicity I'd recommend sticking with good old fashioned lead acid batteries and a dc motor and controller.
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