Electric Tractors - Misc - electric conversions
There have been some unique request over the years. It has always kept things interesting. It is hard to remember all the different builds. Took few pictures of things. Build most projects for clients I never meet. Usually took pictures for those people so they would have an understanding of our progress and for their general education for them and others.
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We made this cover over the pulleys and to carry the removable battery boxes. It did run for four hours or more. Trading the battery boxes out could take sixty seconds.
Bobcat tractor
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The motor ran at one speed and ran the hydraulic pumps. Had two chargers. One onboard and one to charge the second pack.
This was commissioned by New York city to clean storm drains. This is the tractor they sent to work in round tunnels. Round tires may have been the better choice.
Flying electric car
The all aluminum frame and plastic body was built by the French Micro Car company. A Canadian company bought 600 and made them electric. Sold in the USA as the ZENN. Very light weight.
Retractable tram car
The overhead rail drive motor and wheels retracted into the rear of the car when it was on the streets. We upgraded a few of these cars to lithium power and changed the gear ratios for higher top speeds.
ZENN - Micro car company
The design was to run on an over head rail system. Power would come from the track. Run the over head track motor and recharge the cars battery pack.
Hydrogen EV
Built an electric lithium drive system for Clemson University. We used a hydrogen generator to recharge the battery pack. The college received a 10 million dollar government grant for the project. I did it for free. They paid for parts.
Electric Jet car
Built this electric drive for a private college. We shipped the components to them. It was assembled by the students. The Jet car was a rare vehicle.
Trailer tug
Was designed to pull a small sail boat from the marina yard to the ramp. The steering handle was removable. The cooler had solar panels in it to charge the batteries. The tug stayed connected to the trailer.
Toyota Prius with an AC inverter in the trunk.
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Also added a larger lithium 12 volt battery to run the inverter. The main battery pack charged the 12 volt system. The gas engine would start and recharge the big battery pack when it got low. Nice back up system for your home.
The owner used it for his lawn service using all electric lawn equipment
Electric Triac Chinese Reverse trike Imported by Green Vehicles
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My scrape steel salvage man was given a few electric vehicles by a golf cart manufacture that had moved to South Carolina. He had no idea what to do with them. Came to see me to see if I would want them. i recognized the Triac as a piece of electric car history. told him I would see if I could make them run again. the car was designed with Lead acid batteries under each seat.
Re designed Triac
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Had been wanting to create a new reverse trike design.. Originally a gas car in China. It had an AC motor connected to a five speed transmission. I cut the battery boxes out from under the seats and added two 120 volt Nissan Leaf cells in parallel behind the seats. Put wider front and rear wheels on it with upgraded suspension. re designed the front nose as there was no front body work on it.
FREE - Electric Vehicles
Very low mileage Electric vehicle bought from insurance auctions. Never registered. Still offering the Federal tax credit od $7500 plus some State tax credits.
Usual cost is less than $7000 and $1000 in repair cost.
Rebuilt some BMW I3s and the Teslas. Both high in aluminum and carbon fiber. So repair cost were higher. Insurance companies will not repair cars. Most people do not want cars with salvage title and no warranty. But the cost savings can be great. Much less expensive than doing an electric conversion.
Nissan Leaf
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The most popular EV in the world. Drives nice and has four to five doors. I do not think they are very pretty but every mom seems to like them. Plenty available. Have been a good cheap source for electric conversion batteries. My battery of choice is the Bosch Samsung.
Fiat 500E
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Rated for many years as the most efficient EV manufactured. Only sold in California and no other place in the world. A compliance vehicle. Imported more than four to the east coast for friends and clients. My favorite EV.
Mini Cooper SE
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I think the fastest EV in the quarter mile.
Uses the Bosch drive from the BMW I3. Built only in Germany with the Electric BMWs. Limited slip and power reduced at slower speeds as not to burn the tires off it.
Tesla's
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I bought a number of the early Teslas for clients. Paid less than $10,000 for each. Aluminum cars cost a lot to repair from an authorized repair shop licensed to work on aluminum cars
Tesla
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Tesla will sell you door skins and removable fenders. Rear fenders you must rebuild yourself. the aluminum suspension is very fragile. The early computers were a problem.