Where do I get the power?
 

Ok, got a new thing I want to investigate.

You're gonna think I'm crazy..


I want to look at converting my 1985 Honda Odyssey from a 350cc two stroke petrol engine into an electric beast.

First thing to ask, where & what size motor do I need to push 375kgs or 825lbs??

What type of power source would I be using?
&
How much of a runtime would probably depend alot on gearing, roll out, etc.

This is just an investigation into the cost involved. Possible long term project.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1.../Mmmmmnice.jpg

A few more questions for you:

- How fast do you want to go?

- Is there a transmission, and if so, can it be used (would help if looking for decent speeds).

- I assume that 825lbs includes the existing motor, fuel tank, etc?

A couple Neu 2230s should do the trick. Hobbycity has some massive outrunner motors, but they're kinda problematic and an inrunner would be better suited to this IMO.

That's pretty heavy to be pushing around with current RC technology though, I'd look into some of the scooter motors. There's a guy on here that was building a brushed 1/5th scale and one motor I saw linked to in the thread will get a scooter up to 45 without a problem, 2 of those (or more powerful ones, if they're made) would work better and cost less.

DDmotorsystems.com you'll want to talk to a guy named Vic. They aren't brushless motors, just high performance brushed motors. They do a lot of work with golf carts and vehicles of that size. They had a go-cart that was pretty fast a few years back. Vic has a hunting buggy, basically a converted golf cart with big tires, that will pretty much flop over backwards!

Theres no way a couple 2230s would get a Odyssey to move...

OP: I would KILL for a nice Odyssey like that...Ever wanna sell it, let me know. :)

Sell it??

You gotta be kidding!!?? :lol:

It's taken me 15yrs to find one & afford it at a mere $2000Aud. They're available all over the US on Craigs list & ebay cheaper than here.

The wheels & tyres are new, alloy tuned pipe coming, still fixing it up to a standard that I want & leave it as is.

The electric conversion will be done with another one.

Ok, now, how fast is really not the issue, as I'm sure I could adapt the motor to the clutch system easily enough.

I just need enough torque & at least 10k-15k RPM & it's gonna fly & an idea of what batteries I can use that will give me a decent runtime of about 200kms.

825lbs is the machine as is full of fuel & with me in it.

It has a F/R transmission as well & all controls are steering wheel mounted.

somewhere on youtube is an e-kart shown powered by a plettenberg-motor ...

All well & good, but, the go-kart is as light as a feather in comparison.

I'll check it out.

take a look at this site:http://endless-sphere.com/forums/index.php
lots of people with all kind of electric vehicles

Thats the thing, most of em are dogged out. Thats one of the nicest I've ever seen and it looks almost brand new...
Of course I forgot you were in Australia. :oops:

It's far from brand new. I really wish it was. I put new front fenders on it today.

When I get it more together I'll post another pic, then you'll drool.

I saw one on ebay here fully rebuilt go for $7700Aud

Check this site out, pilots are far better than the 350's.

http://pilotodyssey.com/phpBB2/index...9e7a8df8ec250c

Yea, I do like the Pilots, but there VERY expensive in comparison to a Odyssey. I was looking on Youtube and it seems like putting a Artic Cat Sno Pro 440 is pretty popular. I think if I got a Odyssey or even a Pilot, I'd go with the 440. I saw one on Youtube that would stand straight up. :surprised:

I've seen that.

It's one of the guy's from that forum I linked.

very cool. never had an odyssey before. Just regular quads for me. Always thought they were cool though.

Okay, I will try and make this simple and short. I have done 10+ years of electric car research, and am currently converting my first vehicle to electric, so might want to listen to my two-bits... ;)

Check out my signature, or go here to see my progress so far.

http://picasaweb.google.com/sethhuls...ruckConversion

-What do you want to use this thing for? (off-roading?, just cruising?), there is no way you will ever, ever, ever get near 200km range in something like that, unless you want to spend $12,000 on the battery alone...

To give you a realistic setup for awesome power and a range you can afford (practical costs considered), I personally use a brushed DC system of course (by leaps and bounds the best bang per buck, only option really) with about ~60hp peak, pushed by a ~100volt battery pack (I'll have to look into what brand/size of lead acid cells to go with). Just trying to guess on range, on a flat road (obviously not your intentions...), at 80kph (50mph) you should be consuming (and this is a very rough estimate) approximately 110Wh/mile... so, judging my the major limitations you have with this type of vehicle, you can fit 200 pounds of lead acid batteries on there, which should store 2700Wh (can only use 80% of it), so you are looking at 20 miles range... and this number only goes down when you are off-roading.

But i need to know alot more about what you want, specifically:

-1st, budget
-hp/acceleration times/top speed
-what kind of terrain are you running it on?
-how would you drive it? smooth runner? or a lead foot?
-would you want to step it up to lithium?

Seth

I'm no help for technology but I know a few people who'd buy one...

Where in Aus Mozzy?

I'd have to agree. I never saw where you wanted a 200km range. Thats just not gonna happen, and a 20 mile range isn't even worth it to me. I'd say a nice Sno Pro 440 with a few modifications to it making around 120hp is by far the best way to go. If not that, perhaps a water cooled 400cc out of the Pilot (probably really hard to find but should be pretty simple to install). Thats just me, but I don't really think a electric conversion is something that is remotely realistic with something like a Odyssey. Simply not enough range. I'd want something that would last all day, but I don't think thats possible.

I've looked at your conversion before & thought it was a great job. How's it been running for you?

Let's say for budget, I can buy really good powerful stuff with light assed batteries that pack a punch.

Off-Road & Hills.

It has a variable transmission.........not sure if you're familiar with the FL350

Lead foot & cruising.

Want to be able to do donuts & spin the wheels only on dirt.

I'd love it to run all day or with a quick 1 hr charge & range of 50miles.

Terrain VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV VVVVVV
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...ivingarea4.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...ivingarea2.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g1...ivingarea1.jpg

Melbourne

Okay, sorry for the delayed response, I was out of town for a couple days. So first and foremost, what is your budget then? What would you be willing to spend?

Because heck, it IS possible to give it plenty horsepower (still with DC brushed), and using some A123's have a 50 mile range and a 1-2 hour recharge time.

IMO, it's just not one of those applications where the payoffs are very attractive for how much you spend. You need to get into small to midsized cars/trucks to get the payoffs, you know?

But hey, it would be neat to see something like this to come off the ground if you have the wallet to do it. :yes:

Oh, and yah, whow to the terrain, that will suck the power! I can't do it captain! I don't -- have -- the -- power!

i can't change the laws of physics... that scottish bastid always cracks me up...

So, it's not possible & I should stick with the petrol donk.

Guess I have to wait till the technology improves.

Oh no, it CAN be done to a certain extent, but not the way you want it (200km range off-roading, simply can't work with a buggy like that).

If you really want something electric, you gotta give me a price to work with, then I can give you your options, okay? :yes: