Fancy a drop-in electric motor for your car?

[LeMarchand]

Don't worry, @mavhc hasn't hijacked my account!

 

This looks interesting, but seems like it is primarily aimed at tinkerers. https://jalopnik.com/finally-an-electric-crate-motor-you-can-drop-into-your-1839168140

[DJ-1701]

Is it open source though?

[bald_pig]

It's a neat idea, but it isn't going to be "drop-in". Engine mounts are going to be a pain, battery location is going to be awkward, there's no mention of what happens with the current transmission, which could throw up added complexities. For something like a kit car, this could be incredible, a Caterham with one of those could be bonkers!

[mavhc]

You're thinking of https://www.openmotors.co/product/tabby-evo/

[bald_pig]

You're thinking of https://www.openmotors.co/product/tabby-evo/

 

Wow, a motor strapped to some particle board and tubing for the price of a new Ford Fiesta!

[mavhc]

Wow, a motor strapped to some particle board and tubing for the price of a new Ford Fiesta!

 

Didn't know Renault used particle board? Where did you see that?

[bald_pig]

Didn't know Renault used particle board? Where did you see that?

 

Didn't know Renault had changed their name, and were now a Silicon Valley based company producing vehicle carcasses in Italy...

[Arthur]

This looks interesting, but seems like it is primarily aimed at tinkerers.

For those who don't want to tinker they also sell a converted classic Mini with the same motor. Prices start from £79,000. Bargain!

 

swindonpowertrain.com/uk/news.aspx / swind.life/products/e-classic

 

The original engine and gearbox are replaced by a 107bhp motor, making the car capable of 0-60mph in 9.2sec and 80mph. A 24kWh lithium ion battery promises 125 miles of electric range, while a full charge takes four hours from a Type 2 connector. By removing the petrol tank, the E Classic has an increased boot space of 200 litres. The conversion adds 80kg to the total weight of the car, but its proportions go unchanged and a 57:43 weight distribution, compared with the original 68:32. Each Swind E Classic also receives new brakes capable of regenerative braking, new suspension and contemporary rust protection.

 

Available to order immediately in either left- or right-hand-drive, the limited production run of 100 cars starts at £79,000 and comes with an unlimited mileage one-year warranty and MOT.

 

More information and how to get yours built here

 

[LincolnE]

https://www.electricclassiccars.co.uk/

 

Personally I'd prefer this.

 

"Whether you need a standard EV conversion on your existing classic, or full restoration work, we provide the best service with attention to detail that is second to none. Our conversions are tailor-made to meet our customers’ requirements. We take time during the planning process to make sure that each build suits our client’s specifications and driving style. We work hard to leave the essence of your classic car untouched – but at the same time we bring it bang up to date with 21st century innovation giving you improved reliability and more power! With some older classics you’ll need a brake upgrade to cope with your improved power. We can add this in to your build along with other modern enhancements such as electric heating, power steering, regenerative braking, upgraded suspension and more."

 

Seems better to me upgrading everything to be modern and reliable!

[mavhc]

Didn't know Renault had changed their name, and were now a Silicon Valley based company producing vehicle carcasses in Italy...

 

Did you not recognise the design? It's a Renault Twizy, they open sourced it as a platform for others to use as test bed. Saves a few million in design costs.

[PotNoodleTech]

Drop in .................. apart from the £5000 in batteries and £5000 of custom fabrication you'll need to get from someone with experience in electric conversions. That's a great way to go on your old classic car rather than spending £500 having it's original engine rebuilt.