Its about time it was done and no doubt someone will follow with a real Mini soon

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/07/22 ... mmer-2009/

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Its not the size that matters.........
Rover Mini Cooper 1993 spi - current
Rover Mini Cooper 1998 ( Tahti Blue/white)
Rover Mini Cooper 1992 ( Brg),1987 Mayfair

Interesting. I imagine there will be various components packaged to retro fit electric motors to cars like the mini, so while there's some engineering (tying the motor to the driveshafts etc), the conversion to zero emissions will be feasible. Currently it seems you need a degree in electrical engineering along with a fair few skills in welding and so on. It may become a small industry in the same way LPG conversions were a while ago.

In New Zealand, a normal commute would be less than 40km; the only real hassle would be running an extension cord to your car if you park on the street.

I would think that the motor in question would be a brushless Motor with an ESC ( electronic speed controller ) and lithium polymer ( LIPO ) batterys that would simply disconnect then you charge them over night but have a few sets. Once of which you would keep on board the other couple at home.

_________________
Its not the size that matters.........
Rover Mini Cooper 1993 spi - current
Rover Mini Cooper 1998 ( Tahti Blue/white)
Rover Mini Cooper 1992 ( Brg),1987 Mayfair

Whilst that setup would work fine in toyland, It's a little more complicated than that in terms of applicating them to a real car.
I dont want a LIPO battery in my car, they're unstable, I'd rather have a nuclear setup!

It works in the Lotas ellis

http://www.sandsmuseum.com/cars/elise/i ... relec.html

_________________
Its not the size that matters.........
Rover Mini Cooper 1993 spi - current
Rover Mini Cooper 1998 ( Tahti Blue/white)
Rover Mini Cooper 1992 ( Brg),1987 Mayfair

The Lotus uses NiCad batteries, they provide a more cost effective and 'punchy' battery, that can handle high charging and discharging rates without the possibility of exploding.

Lipos have FAR higher discharge rates and far higher power to weight rations. The only advantage of other recharable batterys are a more stable bat that have a slim chance, as you say to explode. A123 batts are moving forward though. Still, interesting stuff non the less ! You must be an RCer to ?

_________________
Its not the size that matters.........
Rover Mini Cooper 1993 spi - current
Rover Mini Cooper 1998 ( Tahti Blue/white)
Rover Mini Cooper 1992 ( Brg),1987 Mayfair

Forget batteries, supercaps are the way to go, recharge in seconds much lighter and safer... Oh wait they're still smoke and mirrors.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EEStor

Tim

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1951 Morris Commercial J Type Van
1955 BSA C11G
1961 Morris Mini Traveller
1969 Triumph TR6R
1977 Leyland Moke Californian

A123s are legendary! I'm into the toys alright. Check the current thread in general discussion.