Electric El Camino

[GP403]

Just saw this article over at Jalopnik

http://jalopnik.com/5351815/electric-el ... ectric-car

Tom Leitschuh of Wisconsin has done what we've all only dreamt of: dropped 46 lithium-ferrite phosphate batteries and a big 'lectric motor into the best car ever built (well, a first-gen would have been cooler, but this'll do).

This 1981 El Camino was in good shape when it landed in Leitschuh's shop and, after 200 hours and $30,000, he created this 33 killowatt-hour beast. As an owner of an electronics controls shop he was able to do the work himself and describes the acceleration as "quick." Who cares? When you're driving something this spectacular you want to slow down and enjoy the "ooohhhs" and "ahhhhhs" as you pass.

And to top other electric car owners, Leitschuh gets all of the power for his car from his wind turbine and solar-barn. Green has never looked better.

Hows that for an engine transplant? 😀 [/img]

 

[Camshaft]

That's ace that he's doing it with lighter, more-effiecient LiFe batteries, too.

 

[2000.malibu.ls]

thats awesome. im waiting to see 85's comment on this lol

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

I admire the time and ingenuity it took to build it, but to me it falls short of what is possible with a more integrated system. Plus, if I were to build something electric, I would choose a more aerodynamically efficient vehicle to begin with than this. You have to use every bit of efficiency available to you in order to make an electric vehicle that is viable as more than just a status symbol. Using a 30 year old GM car/truck with a 0.50 cd is not a way to maximize your range. Yes, I sound like an arrogant engineering snob, but that's just how I see it. Plus, I am not so sure this whole electric thing is a good idea in the long run. It relies too heavily on toxic heavy metals and rare earth elements to be a viable replacement for all the vehicles on the planet. If it were more than vaporware, I would say that the MDI air car technology is a better alternative. Sadly, MDI seems to exist only to bilk investors of cash rather than to produce an actual, viable vehicle technology.

 

[Blake442]

WTF, no a/c or heater? :lol:

 

[maximus84]

The "green" thing with electric vehicles isnt as green as they want you to think! How do you think the electricity most people use is produced in the 1st place? Anyone? 😛

 

[TURNA]

The "green" thing with electric vehicles isnt as green as they want you to think! How do you think the electricity most people use is produced in the 1st place? Anyone? 😛

it's all a scam

 

[maximus84]

The "green" thing with electric vehicles isnt as green as they want you to think! How do you think the electricity most people use is produced in the 1st place? Anyone? 😛

it's all a scam

Yep,and Al Gore and his cronies are getting filthy rich off it & the "global warming" scam as well

 

[Stoopud]

Maximus did you miss... "And to top other electric car owners, Leitschuh gets all of the power for his car from his wind turbine and solar-barn. Green has never looked better." I guess we should support wind turbine power, hydro electric power, or solar power, instead of coal or Nuclear. Then your complaint goes away doesn't it.

 

[TURNA]

love to see the place that slaps an inspection sticker on that car