OwnerSimon Kay
LocationBesozzo, Varese Italy map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle2000 Audi A2
Standard A2, using this because of aluminum space frame (standard design weight is under 900kg)
MotorAzure Dynamics/Solectria AC24LS 3-Phase AC
ControllerAzure Dynamics/Solectria DMOC445
Batteries95 HiPower HP- IFP 150/42/190, 3.20 Volt, Lithium-Polymer
They've arrived: HiPower LiFePo4's, 95 cells each 3.2V/50Ah nominal, around 300V and 15.2kWh total. I've in fact purchased 100 cells, a few spare or maybe to run the 12V circuit.
System Voltage304 Volts
ChargerHigh Power
That supplied with batteries with specific balancing characteristics.
DC/DC Converter
Thinking of skipping this - putting a solar charging system on the car instead to keep the 12V system topped up. Maybe I'm nuts... But I see some others have done the same.
InstrumentationXantrex Link 10
Top Speed60 MPH (96 KPH)
Guestimate, based upon Azure's graphs
AccelerationMaybe 17secs to 60mph, if the Azure Dynamics modeling is right.
Range50 Miles (80 Kilometers)
60 to 100km is what I would be looking for. Depends upon battery pack of course.
Watt Hours/Miletoo early for this
EV Miles
Start:70,800 Miles (113,917 Kilometers)
Current:70,800 Miles (113,917 Kilometers)
Total:0 Miles (0 Kilometers)
Seating CapacityThe A2 is a roomy super mini, OK for four adults.
Curb Weight2,000 Pounds (909 Kilograms)
900kg is the target. But I think it will be the standard car weight + 100kg, in part because the battery pack is 50% larger than I originally intended.
TiresStandard
Conversion TimeLots, so far admin, emails, bureaucracy... So far just trying to get the gear together. Trying to finalise registration procedure then the real work will begin.
Conversion CostCar was quite pricey €4000, difficult to get an A2 for less. Azure Dynamics kit, imported (i.e. in tax and shipping) to Italy, €7500. Batteries around €8000 inc. tax and shipping for 16kWh. Charger €700.
The bureaucracy in doing this project is staggering. One day, when it is all over, I will write it up. It will suffice to say now that every effort is placed by the powers at be to stop you doing this. The technical part looks easy by comparison...

Update: 22/12/2008 - so now I have the motor, controller, batteries and car plus various other components together. I am still awaiting the number plate. The other "problem" is everything is spread between Italy and the UK - so I hope to get the car back to Italy in Jan, and then the real work can begin.

Update: 27/12/2008 - yes I have my regsitration! Just got to get the car back here...

code by jerry