4.5 0-60 electric mini

[neanderpaul]

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/08/the_hybrid_mini.php

[Breedlove]

anybody here done a Festiva? I have a great book on how to convert gasolines to electric, but it seems to be beyond my mechanical reach at the moment.

[Kraig]

No mention of price :shock:

Probably out of range for us cheapskate Festiva owners...............

Cool car though!

[Dave G]

Cool! I like the way they have it set up:

"As the battery level reduces, the rear mounted ICE/generator starts to automatically top up the battery. So when you arrive at your destination you can simply park the vehicle knowing that when you return the battery will be replenished. Alternatively you can take advantage of lower cost mains electricity and plug in to recharge."

That makes a lot more sense to me than the combined electric/gas engine arrangement that Toyota (and others) use.

[neanderpaul]

^ I agree on all points there Dave.

[neanderpaul]

anybody here done a Festiva? I have a great book on how to convert gasolines to electric, but it seems to be beyond my mechanical reach at the moment.

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7679&highlight=electric+festiva

[neanderpaul]

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2002/01/03/electric-ford.htm

[Breedlove]

I have always been into electrics, I thought about scavaging a forklift junkyard and pulling parts but I think I need a garage first.

[monkeyracing]

The setup with a internal combustion engine, powering a generator, which in turn powers the electric drive is the same as used in things like diesel electric trains. (all modern diesel trains really.) Interesting tidbit: GM is the worlds largest manufacturer of diesel electric locomotives, and is now working on bringing this same technology to market for passenger cars. More efficient setup than series hybrids, that's for sure.

[GenevaDirt]

That is totally awesome.....now all we need is a price

[b3 madness]

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2002/01/03/electric-ford.htm

You can thank the Big Automakers, Ford in this case for once again killing a good deal. Ford bought the rights to the Th!nk electric car and then they said that no one wanted them and killed it ala GM EV1 style. When they were owned by the original Norwegian company, they were becoming quite popular in Europe,....but then FORD "had a better idea".. :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

[neanderpaul]

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2002/01/03/electric-ford.htm

You can thank the Big Automakers, Ford in this case for once again killing a good deal. Ford bought the rights to the Think! electric car and then they said that no one wanted them and killed it ala GM EV1 style. When they were owned by the original Norwegian company, they were becoming quite popular in Europe,....but then FORD "had a better idea".. :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

That's the trouble. They want to buy them out, then kill them. Electric cars are so durable and low maintenance that the big money sees their profits disappearing. I've been researching electric motorcycles too. I think I can make one from one of my parts bikes. For local use it seems ideal.

[b3 madness]

I originally purchased my Festiva to convert to an Electric Vehicle, but then the reality of the conversion costs became over my budget at the time. A motorcycle on the other hand can be done for far less and requires very little fabrication work.

Here is a link to EV conversions: http://www.austinev.org/evalbum/