Electric Morris Minor...
Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 10:44 pm
Hello, my name's Jack and I'm a classic car enthusiast. I live in America (though British) amd I'm 15, but I own two Morris Minors (which I drive on private land), a '59 and a '62 two-door. I never drive more than thiry miles in a single stretch in either car, though, and it occured to me that my car would be a perfect consideration for an EV! It's pretty light, very easy to work on and ready for restoration anyway. Does anyone on here have an electric Minor and even if not can anyone help with the project? I would be running it based on a primary source at home, probably- for the sake of the challenge- a charger that would itself be charged from solar and wind energy, or mains if I got too bored. The car would potentially (here is where I would appreciate some advice) be fitted with regenerative braking, a fold out solar rack in the boot and a fan inside the radiator grill for secondary charging or "top-up", plus an emergency biodiesel generator if I were travelling a distance and could find no plug-in. How practical is this idea? Which would be the best batteries if I wanted a reasonable top speed (the Minor gets 65, and I would want to match if not top it) and a range of about 30-50 miles at least (better if I could get it, but I'm guessing that's probably the upwards limit without some special computer regulation like the Tesla sports car)? Is there a type of motor particularly suited to this kind of situation? Feel free to ask questions that will clarify my requirements- I am serious about this and would love to have some help.