has anyone converted an exxie to modern EV technology in recent times? If so, what are the specs, motor type (hp, torque) and particularly batt capacity? AC motors and Li ion batts are becoming quite available, albeit not cheap yet.
Rgds
I have been waiting for someone to bring electric's up again.
I try to keep a low profile here but have happily running an electric X19 since Jan 2000.
My setup is a poor-man's version but has been pretty reliable after the first year of working out the bugs.
At the time of the conversion I was top of the line but now days an antique in the motor and battery department.
My X is an 84 and I am running an advance DC series wound 9" motor bolted to the stock 5 speed, 144 volts nom and a open revolt 500 amp controller that equals 72Kw.
98 hp and 184 pounds of torque from 0 to about 3000 rpm.
I have a 1000 amp controller that produces 196 hp and 368 lbs. torque but it tended to break things so 500 amps is plenty for a grocery getter.
About 3 seconds faster than stock with a top end of 90 mph that takes a lot of straight flat ground which is about 22 miles slower than stock.
I hate to admit it but I still have FLA's, 18 eight volt Trojans that brought the car up to a 3100 pound curb weight.
At that weight car performed at the numbers I just gave.
I have shaved the weight down to 2530 with a lot of drillium and fiberglass.
If I ever did bite the bullet and buy some lithiums I could shave up to 500 pounds off.
Unless you have a lot of disposable income stick with gas.
I spent about $9000 including batteries on the initial conversion.
Today's market an AC motor and the trimmings would cost about the same but, unless you can live with very limited range, lithium is the only way to go and that can cost from $7K for a modest pack that could get 50-60 mile range to $14+k for a 100 + mile range. Those are rough estimates.
When I first did my build lead was the only option as anything else was still experimental, very explosive and started in the $35000 range.
I was just in my fifties then and sometimes wished I had more than a thirty mile range but now days it is more than enough because I don't really want to go any where and my daily drive is 12-15 miles round trip.
Now that you got me started I could fill up this form yakking but will try to close with just a few thoughts.
I have owned one or more Fiat since 1975 and enjoyed working on them.
Nothing was more enjoyable than the sound running one up past red line.
Since I went electric I am loathe to get my hands greasy anymore.
I don't miss the oil changes.
I don't miss standing in gas stations. (If you have ever observed the lackadaisical attitude other people have around flammable gas you know what I mean.)
I do like going 70 mph and being able to hold a conversation in a normal voice. (no yelling or asking what did you say)
I like the torque, coming out of a turn and instantly accelerating with no lag.