[electric240]

Just wanted to say hello. I have a 1984 240 GL that I recently picked up on the cheap and it is my electric conversion. It's still Winter here in MI so the progress is limited at best. Just waiting to tear into it. I'll post an address to follow the progress for those interested. As an aside, I'll have a complete set of gas internal combustion junk I won't need any more for those in need.

Regards,

Bill

 

[Nate]

Hey Bill, I am just curious about your electric conversion. What size motor do you plan on using? Something like an ADC 9"? Have you decided on pack voltage and controller amperage? What battery technology do you plan on using? Transmission? And last, what will an electric Volvo weigh?

Thanks,

 

[electric240]

Hey Nate,

I am using the 9" FB1-4001A from ADC. Since this is my first conversion I decided to take the road of "I don't know anything" and use the experience of the experts of the EV community on the internet. The one I'm impressed with the most is Bob at EV America. He did my calculations to make sure I could pull it off in the 240 and he's the cheapest around for the $$$ parts such as the motor, charger, and controller. I'll be building a 144 volt system using Trojan T-875s due to weight. 145s would be better but they're a bit heavy. I'll be using the Curtis 1231C-8601 controller. Everything is rated for 500 amps.

For the drive, I'm swapping out the AT for a M46 manual and will be using a "clutchless" drive. Shifting will still be possible but with a 2 second or so lag. The clutchless configuration eliminates the clutch pressure plate and flywheel. That's about 60 lbs savings but translates into about 1000 lbs rotational weight! Speaking of weight, finished weight comes in at 3988 lbs which includes 2 adults, 2 kids and 50 lbs of groceries. I have other weigh reducing ideas but need to investigate the structural issues. I'm hoping to get 60 miles range. Driving to work w/o wife and kids should be possible. I'm working on convincing my employer to let me plug in however.

No, the 240 isn't the ideal EV conversion for several reasons but it's built like a tank, the price was right (for a car that has only seen one MI winter), and it will be a nice change from the VW Bug, Ford Probe, and S-10.

If I missed somethng just let me know.

Regards,

Bill

 

[Nate]

The 875s save you 594 lbs over the 145s! I don't know how much range you loose without the additional capacity but if you have enough to make it to work and keep the batteries well in their safety limit you are good to go!
I don't know what the incentives are in MI but some states reward employers who install chargers and encourage "green" cars.
144V will give decent power in those cases where you need to get moving fast.

I am sure Bob knows all this so good luck on your first conversion!

 

[electric240]

Yeah, I'll admit I'm a bit close with the 875s but my one way is only 39 miles. Stats are great but seeing is believing. This is really going to be my wife's car for the 10 - 30 mile round trips once I break it in. My next project will be a long range commuter.

As far as incentives for chargers, I don't know but I'm sure it's a non-issue. Living in the Detroit area doesn't offer much for green anything.