EVstreet blog

In my research, I'm finding that EV candidates are selected on the basis of a handful of often contradictory considerations;

• minimum weight when the ICE (internal combustion engine) is removed
  
• small frontal area. Aerodynamics are a plus, but it's hard to beat a vehicle which presents the minimum area to the wind.
  
• maximum gvw; the ability to carry a very large payload.

It should come as no surprise that those which have the best cargo capacity are also those which have the worst frontal area and weight. Life is full of compromises.

In addition to those major considerations, I would add a few more secondary considerations

• availability of repair parts (an ev never needs a tuneup or an oil change, but wheel bearings and brake pads will still need to be replaced)
• comfort.
• equipped with a manual steering box, a manual transmission and non-power-assist brakes.
  
• style. You're going to want to live with this car for quite some time, and it will attract attention. Emmett Brown built his time machine from a Delorean. I live by the motto WWRJD (what would reverend Jim do?)

Probably the most common EV conversion is the VW rabbit, followed by the 2wd S10 and the 914 Porsche. Other popular conversions are the Fiero and the Geo Storm. The limitation of both those vehicles are the limited space for a battery pack. Other good choices would be the Geo Metro and the Honda civic or CRX.

In my case, because I need maximum "fuel" capacity, I'm going to use a late 80's or early 90's Chevy S10.

Labels: Chevy, S10 EV, Trojan batteries