Has anyone considered an EV conversion?
 

I was looking at this neat FD RX-7 (no affiliation) and it got me thinking:
Zero Emission Vehicles Australia

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...d06879b880.jpg

I'm not sure it is something I'd tackle right now but as energy density gets higher and battery costs get lower, I'm sure it will be a viable (and attractive) option.

Has anyone here considered it or do they know of anyone who has actually undertaken this kind of project on a Miata?

Personally I wouldn't bother unless it could be ridiculously fast for sensible money. :)

Cheers

P100D more of a match...

Not the right thread for it, but imagine if tesla used the batteries koenigsegg is using now. They are super small and lightweight and drastically out spec the entire battery pack tesla uses.

P100D with triple the whatever juice, 2000 less pounds.

Or the tesla roadster with 2000 less pounds!

The future is fast and electric!

EV conversions are very very interesting, and EVs are most likely the future; however, having led the design and manufacturing of 3 electric FSAE cars, I am sure that 99.9% of the people out there underestimate the cost and complexity involved in a proper EV conversion. I reckon 20-30k would be in the ballpack.

As cool as they are, with how many people track either cars it really makes no sense. It's kind of a cool "I did it because I could" thing and it can make a badass 1/4 mile car; but then, why did you buy a Miata in the first place?

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...3dc411787a.png
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...e1f77c1d67.png

He's got his journey pretty well documented on his instagram.. Been following for awhile.

I like this thread so far. Vlad, that is badass.

thumpetto007 this is definitely the right thread for it if it is even slightly EV related. :)

If I ever get the opportunity to do this (and I really hope I do), I'd hope to do it in a repeatable way and share the design files so others can replicate.

A community driven motor and/or battery controller would be cool, kinda like the MegaSquirt but preferably GPL rather than half open source. :D

Cheers

Way back when Joe P. was posting about his electric bike, I decided to do this. I went so far as to sign up for various EV forums, solicit information, and put together a rough parts list. Cost was the deciding factor. For about $12K I could have had a decent, reliable commuter with respectable range. On a shoestring, it was closer to $9 or 10K. All in all, more than a budget turbo setup, and about the same amount of work, at least. Performance was not super impressive.

For around $20k, I can buy used factory electric vehicles. Not worth it in any way to build your own, especially for an electrical newbie like me. I'd still love to have one, but I'm not going to be the one to build it.

I reckon that the best way to do so would be buying a salvaged EV in the first place, then transfer all the drivetrain over. The electric Lotus conversion by Speed Academy is a nice example, properly done (albeit it could be done much better).

I personally have no desire to build one, but love to see the diversity. If the desire is strong, go for it.

I get the feeling EVs are much more fun to drive them than watching them. The thrill is lost without the noise although a fleet of high performance EV’s might make some interesting noise.

There have actually been a few kits over the years for electric miata conversions, and it id the eventual plan for mine. But for me, I am figuring it is about 15 years out when salvage parts get more common.

But yeah, there are quite a few electric miatas around.

Best thing about EV is running in the desert with no thought of sucking sand into the engine.:)

Yep, and no concern about destroying oil pumps or sticky relief valves. No concern about EGT, turbos coming loose etc. It's a big list. :)

Obviously you have other concerns like battery and motor temps!

Like carrying a generator and fuel out to the middle of nowhere to recharge the batteries :facepalm:

I'll post my build thread for an electric miata in about 2025 or so.

theres definitely a massive concern with temps tho