Electric Roadster Specs

[Karlo]

Here are a couple of pics of the Electrolite with drivetrain.....

Electrolite Roadster Specs.

Weight < 2,000 lbs
0-60 < 4 sec.
Top speed 90 mph
Range 55 miles
Motor WarP 9"
Motor Torque 350 ft/lb @ 100rpm
Battery - Customer determined, packaging for 24 Group 27 batteries.
Controller Zilla 1000 Amp
Charger PFC30
Custom wiring included

Home based type charging ....no special charging post required.

The longterm plan will be to offer more advanced power source once they become more affordable and readily available..using lead acid allows the DIY access to easy resources and affordable replacement.

Full up price ...minus batteries is $34,995....

http://www.gt40s.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=25895&stc=1&d=1198193922

http://www.gt40s.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=25896&stc=1&d=1198193922

http://www.gt40s.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=25897&stc=1&d=1198194122

http://www.gt40s.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=25898&stc=1&d=1198194122

[JohnMogs]

I'm wiring the EL-R so if you have any questions, post here and I'll reply.

[Karlo]

John

What is your role with the Electrolite?

[JohnMogs]

Karlo,
I'm providing the electrical drive system for the car, we've chosen the best EV components and are modifying the SL-R to fit them.
Zilla controller is the best available for a DC system. www.cafeelectric.com
WarP motors are specifically for Electric Vehicles.www.go-ev.com
Optima batteries are suggested because they are available anywhere.
John

[#Rotor]

I am Extremely interested in going Electrical As well. obviously the problem being the cost of the storage device and if it's not the cost, it would be the weight thereof that would be a problem....

how advantageous would it be to use a normal car's gearbox (5Spd), along with the electric motor such as in your picture....

[JohnMogs]

Rotor,
A manual gearbox is recommended when using a DC system. Using a few of the manual gear box's ratios allows the DC motor to operate in it's most efficient range. You'll need a differential between axles anyway and a stock trans that came installed in a car just needs an adapter plate.
You don't need 24 batteries in every conversion, just depends on how far you want or need to drive between charges.... I'm designing every car around AGM batteries but also upgradeable to Lithium when it's more affordable.

To learn more you can check out www.DetroitEV.com/links and surf through the links I have provided. note the website is under construction. I'm also happy to answer any questions you have.

John Mogelnicki
Detroit Electric Vehicles
248.568.7107

[bolus]

How,s the safety for the batteries? Can they survive punctures?

[JohnMogs]

Bolus,
We recommend the Optima or Deka sealed AGM Type batteries, they are not known for thermal events, or for generating much heat during use, however you should check with the battery mfg. to confirm any issues with punctures or other battery safety questions.
We do not sell the battiers with the vehicle so that customers can customize their battery selection, this also is required to keep the vehicle a kit car.
The car will be set up for 24 Group 27 batteries.
Sorry I can't be more specific, but this is required to be able to offer the car to the public.
Thank you,
John

[#Rotor]

Bolus do mention a grave concerns there... I am however more concerned with the electric wiring, in case of an accident, one might find oneself trapped inside an electrified cage. An unsuspecting rescue worker would also not be too happy with that scenario, I'm sure...

[bolus]

Bolus,
We recommend the Optima or Deka sealed AGM Type batteries, they are not known for thermal events, or for generating much heat during use, however you should check with the battery mfg. to confirm any issues with punctures or other battery safety questions.
We do not sell the battiers with the vehicle so that customers can customize their battery selection, this also is required to keep the vehicle a kit car.
The car will be set up for 24 Group 27 batteries.
Sorry I can't be more specific, but this is required to be able to offer the car to the public.
Thank you,
John

You may want to rethink how you offer the car. In Oregon, for example, I registered a fully built Atom. After I registered they made it even easier by making a law just for registering the Atom:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/vehicle/Racing_Activity.shtml

Now it doesn't say "Atom" in the law even though it was for the Atom since Brammo is in Oregon. But your chassis looks similar enough that someone could register a completed car here.

In other states like Arizona, it is even easier. So keep that in mind. Not everyone wants a kit car to build.

Valence's lithium phosphate batteries might be another option
http://www.valence.com/index.html

[JohnMogs]

Bolus,
Thank you for the info and links, I'll look into them when I return from Mexico next week. Not sure that we afford the insurance of selling a completed car, thus the price would have to reflect the risk. We will discuss as I agree there are some that want a completed car.
I've got pricing from valance and from Altarnano, very expensive. Thus we want to make lithium available for everyone, but we are targeting a lower cost solution to the customer for the start, customers can upgrade within the size of the car's frame.
John

[JohnMogs]

Rotor,
We plan to enclose the battery area with boxes, but in an accident there is always a risk that something will short on the frame, thus emergency persons need to be alerted to the risk. Some people use stickers on their cars, and High Voltage warning stickers on the components. We wanted to leave that up to the customer as it effects styling.
John

[bolus]

I'd love to figure out how to build a frame with 4 wheel motors in place:
http://www.pmlflightlink.com/motors/wheelmotors.html
That would be a crazy project

[JohnMogs]

I'm not a big fan of wheel motors for daily drivers... might be fast to race, but for the daily rough and dirty environment it would be hard to keep them clean and cool enough to be a good motor... and you have 4 times the opportunity for problems... then there is the unsprung weight issue.... just try to run coolant into a rotating wheel.

However for racing on a nice track, no bumps, just going fast... it opens up room for more batteries in the car, and you can clean them before every race, and cool them between runs.

[bolus]

I wonder how the Mini QED is working out with those motors
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf-dNLSnl6o

[bolus]

I'd love to figure out how to build a frame with 4 wheel motors in place:
http://www.pmlflightlink.com/motors/wheelmotors.html
That would be a crazy project

oh never mind. $17,000 each

[JohnMogs]

Yeah, 4 times the cost too.

[bolus]

I spoke with this guy last week. We talked about a lo of interesting developments in batteries and motors. If I ended up buying a frame I'd probably use him to work on the motor and batteries.
http://www.evdrive.com/

[cpt_caveman]

Is this car still being developed?
I think an AC motor would be a better choice than the DC.

[JohnMogs]

AC is easy to add, but we're making this one a fast DC kit. Azure sells a AC motor that we could offer, but not sure it's as fast. I'm comparing them in the near future. FYI: the Roadster is going to the www.PowerOfDC.com events next week, to record track times with the Optimas.... Other batteries will fit in the future like Genesis XE-40, which are lighter and have a better reputation.

John
Detroit EV
www.detroitev.com

[cpt_caveman]

I can't believe the changes in the DetroitEV web page, good job with that. You are really doing the right thing with these electrical vehicles. I used to write Grandholm letters telling her that Michigan needs to invest in EVs, and alternative energy. One of the things I suggested was provide tax breaks, and other incentives to new companies. I don't know if my letters made a difference but I saw that there were some tax breaks and rebates for companies building EVs and renewable energy. I don't know if these are still available, but if so perhaps you could use them.

[cpt_caveman]

On the subject of DC motors not being as fast as AC. I think that is just due to the current state of the tuner market for electrical vehicles. DC motors and the controllers are easy to figure out, so guys wanting to make an electric dragster (most notably cafe Electric's Zilla) just tricked out DC systems because they were easy. There are a number of advantages to AC motors over DC, I think it's just going to take some smarter tuners to make an inexpensive, high performance AC system. Right now you can get a Zilla and two 9inch DC motors for ~$5K, but a comparable AC system with a Siemens motor would be ~$30K. I see a huge gap or opportunity there.

[JohnMogs]

I'm glad you like the website, it was worth the investment, just took some time. I've got to thank Jim Mitte at www.4wordsystems.com for the website help.

I personally know Grandholm's environmental person, just haven't had the discussion with her yet. I too want to know what Grandholm's plans are for welcoming and promoting EVs. I'll keep you posted.

I agree that AC systems have some advantages, but cost is not one of them, weight is another issue.... if you're budget is large then it's not an issue. We wanted people to be able to afford this car, otherwise we would have used Lithium and AC.

Are you going to www.PowerOfDC.com ?

[aloysius]

Do any of you know if an EV roadster is an active project by Fran Hall at RCR?

[JohnMogs]

Aloysius,
Yes Fran and myself are building a electric version of his Superlite Roadster. We are finishing up the car. It will be going to the races next weekend, May 31. This car is for sale, and we are currently taking orders for additional EL-R (Electrolite Roadsters) for $35,000. For EV details check out my EValbum page: http://evalbum.com/1479 or check out my website: www.detroitev.com

Thanks,

John

[cpt_caveman]

John,
I can't make it to PowerofDC, I've got to get the electronics working on a Formula SAE car, good luck though.

One quick question: what 6-speed transmission are you using on the Electrolite? Is it sequential?

[JohnMogs]

I'm using the GM Europe, F40, 6-Speed, the specs are on the attachment.

Where are you building the SAE car at? Can I check it out?

Thanks,
John

[cpt_caveman]

Sure you can check out the car, we are building it in Phoenix, AZ. If you are in the area I can give you a more specific location.
It's single seat car with a NA 650cc Honda CBR engine. I think you may find this other SAE race more interesting: http://www.formula-hybrid.org/
It's formula Hybrid, the same competition but with hybrid cars.

[JohnMogs]

Sorry I thought you were in Michigan, I'll be in Phoenix in November. Thank you for the link some familiar motors and controllers, looks like a fun competition.

[cpt_caveman]

I made it sound like I'm in MI, I grew up in K'zoo and still have a lot of friends/family in MI so I keep up to date on Michigan.
When you come to AZ in November set aside some time, and I'll show you our 2009 Formula Hybrid car. The electric drive train should knock your socks off.

[JohnMogs]

Sounds great, I should be in town around Thanksgiving. Hopefully to deliver a few Electrolite Roadsters :D

[JohnMogs]

Turns out that my friend in the Governor's office has moved on. I'm contacting others at the Governor's office, to set up a Prius+ event with the www.spiritofdc.com group, who is driving their Prius+ around the country this summer.



I personally know Grandholm's environmental person, just haven't had the discussion with her yet. I too want to know what Grandholm's plans are for welcoming and promoting EVs. I'll keep you posted.

[macrylinda]

Karlo,
I'm providing the electrical drive system for the car, we've chosen the best EV components and are modifying the SL-R to fit them.
Zilla controller is the best available for a DC system. www.cafeelectric.com
WarP motors are specifically for Electric Vehicles.www.go-ev.com
Optima batteries are suggested because they are available anywhere.
John

I am Extremely interested in going Electrical As well. obviously the problem being the cost of the storage device and if it's not the cost, it would be the weight thereof that would be a problem....

how advantageous would it be to use a normal car's gearbox (5Spd), along with the electric motor such as in your picture....

[marylinda1]

How,s the safety for the batteries? Can they survive punctures?

We recommend the Optima or Deka sealed AGM Type batteries, they are not known for thermal events, or for generating much heat during use, however you should check with the battery mfg. to confirm any issues with punctures or other battery safety questions.
We do not sell the battiers with the vehicle so that customers can customize their battery selection, this also is required to keep the vehicle a kit car.
The car will be set up for 24 Group 27 batteries.
Sorry I can't be more specific, but this is required to be able to offer the car to the public.
Thank you,

[nikole957]

Karlo,
I'm providing the electrical drive system for the car, we've chosen the best EV components and are modifying the SL-R to fit them.
Zilla controller is the best available for a DC system. www.cafeelectric.com
WarP motors are specifically for Electric Vehicles.www.go-ev.com
Optima batteries are suggested because they are available anywhere.
John

I am Extremely interested in going Electrical As well. obviously the problem being the cost of the storage device and if it's not the cost, it would be the weight thereof that would be a problem....