C3 Electric Conversion
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 226
Likes: 22
From: Milton Ontario
C3 Electric Conversion
After a quick Google search and a search of this site I can't find any evidence of a C3 converted to electric. Has anyone ever done it? I've seen the later models that are braking speed records but it just seems like with the way things are headed Vintage Electric might be something that people will start to want in another decade or two as gasoline engines start taking a back seat to other technologies.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 252
When I Google "Electric C3 Corvette" I get a few hits.
http://www.corvetteblogger.com/image...t/121211_2.jpg
https://icdn-8.motor1.com/images/mgl...3-corvette.jpg
http://www.corvetteblogger.com/2013/...hits-the-road/
http://www.diyelectriccar.com/forums...ett-72879.html
http://www.corvetteblogger.com/image...t/121211_2.jpg
https://icdn-8.motor1.com/images/mgl...3-corvette.jpg
http://www.corvetteblogger.com/2013/...hits-the-road/
http://www.diyelectriccar.com/forums...ett-72879.html
Last edited by Dynra Rockets; May 15, 2017 at 01:21 PM.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 384
Likes: 8
From: Alberta
That Yellow one in the links above I've seen posted on the Chev Volt forums. If I remember right it was a retired GM engineer or something that built it. Had about 80 miles of range. I could be slightly off on that.
Not gonna lie I've thought of it before. There is a company in Texas that does the conversions, but they're very very expensive. As the price of batteries and parts from crashed cars become more available I think it'll be more and more common.
Not gonna lie I've thought of it before. There is a company in Texas that does the conversions, but they're very very expensive. As the price of batteries and parts from crashed cars become more available I think it'll be more and more common.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
Alan: Tesla is very secretive about exactly how much the batteries cost. Estimates are $20K-$25K.
But if you're converting a classic car you wouldn't put a full Tesla battery in it as there isn't enough space.
You can either take individual Tesla modules (there are 14-16 modules in a Tesla battery pack depending on capacity) or another popular choice is Chevy Volt batteries. You can still run a Tesla motor & inverter with Volt batteries and make about 450 rear-wheel hp.
Edit: There are enough crashed Teslas and Volts that you can find salvage batteries at about 1/2 cost compared to new.
But if you're converting a classic car you wouldn't put a full Tesla battery in it as there isn't enough space.
You can either take individual Tesla modules (there are 14-16 modules in a Tesla battery pack depending on capacity) or another popular choice is Chevy Volt batteries. You can still run a Tesla motor & inverter with Volt batteries and make about 450 rear-wheel hp.
Edit: There are enough crashed Teslas and Volts that you can find salvage batteries at about 1/2 cost compared to new.
Last edited by zwede; May 15, 2017 at 02:31 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 226
Likes: 22
From: Milton Ontario
I wonder how long it will be before you can buy off the shelf conversion kits for the most popular vintage cars? Technology is advancing so fast that I think most of us will see it in our life time. If the batteries are small enough and located properly we can probably triple the storage space too!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,198
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Z,
Thanks very much for the additional information.
I guess being really QUICK, or going really FAST, is expensive….. regardless of the hardware/software you use!
Regards,
Alan
Thanks very much for the additional information.
I guess being really QUICK, or going really FAST, is expensive….. regardless of the hardware/software you use!
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,232
Likes: 1,232
From: PHX AZ
I'll race you for PINKS
After a quick Google search and a search of this site I can't find any evidence of a C3 converted to electric. Has anyone ever done it? I've seen the later models that are braking speed records but it just seems like with the way things are headed Vintage Electric might be something that people will start to want in another decade or two as gasoline engines start taking a back seat to other technologies.
Motor Trend 'raced' a Model T and a TESLA across country...something like LA to Detroit.
The model T lost....by like 4 hours!
Teslas are really big here in AZ...There is the SW 'prep factory' about 5 blocks away.
When they make one that can get from PHX to LA and back in the same DAY....we'll talk. 430 miles at 100mph.....and back!
Personally....I think this is SACRILEGE!
(lol don't get me started about Autonomous Cars)
You know what I call Autonomous cars.....RETIREMENT PLANNING! wink!
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
I like the trick novelty of electric cars but with the short comings to me even a tesla is a novelty,
I enjoyed the electric avanti in gattaca,
I have enjoyed seeing vw based electric kit cars burn rubber but electrics are not there yet, so its just fun speculation
I enjoyed the electric avanti in gattaca,
I have enjoyed seeing vw based electric kit cars burn rubber but electrics are not there yet, so its just fun speculation
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,232
Likes: 1,232
From: PHX AZ
I'm a mechanical engineer....you should see the cooling systems for the Lithium ion batteries.....not there yet....10 years.
The batteries in a Tesla are basically BANKS of AA sized batteries... in cooling fluid.
So a big block is like 600 lbs.....what do you think all the crap weighs? Engine/batteries etc.
Rather have a big block running on home-grown Alchy.
The batteries in a Tesla are basically BANKS of AA sized batteries... in cooling fluid.
So a big block is like 600 lbs.....what do you think all the crap weighs? Engine/batteries etc.
Rather have a big block running on home-grown Alchy.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 226
Likes: 22
From: Milton Ontario
Go ahead and build your APPLIANCE....I'll race you for pinks with my slowest Corvette, The 82 CE.....one stipulation...I get to choose the DISTANCE.
Motor Trend 'raced' a Model T and a TESLA across country...something like LA to Detroit.
The model T lost....by like 4 hours!
Teslas are really big here in AZ...There is the SW 'prep factory' about 5 blocks away.
When they make one that can get from PHX to LA and back in the same DAY....we'll talk. 430 miles at 100mph.....and back!
Personally....I think this is SACRILEGE!
(lol don't get me started about Autonomous Cars)
You know what I call Autonomous cars.....RETIREMENT PLANNING! wink!
Motor Trend 'raced' a Model T and a TESLA across country...something like LA to Detroit.
The model T lost....by like 4 hours!
Teslas are really big here in AZ...There is the SW 'prep factory' about 5 blocks away.
When they make one that can get from PHX to LA and back in the same DAY....we'll talk. 430 miles at 100mph.....and back!
Personally....I think this is SACRILEGE!
(lol don't get me started about Autonomous Cars)
You know what I call Autonomous cars.....RETIREMENT PLANNING! wink!
Edit: As soon as I posted this my e-mail notified me of the following article about new batteries that are being developed to increase range to 600 miles.
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/19tw9d...ars-range.html
Last edited by See Three; May 15, 2017 at 07:29 PM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,409
Likes: 136
From: PHOENIX, AZ Yes, it's true. You are a good woman. Then again, you may be the Antichrist.
Tesla: Range + recharging time = a commuter car.
No way would I take one out of town on a road trip. Let's see where they're at in 5 or 10 years.
No way would I take one out of town on a road trip. Let's see where they're at in 5 or 10 years.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,628
Likes: 132
From: Duvall, WA
The Corvette is already a pretty heavy sports car. Adding a bunch of heavy batteries isn't going to do it any favors. I think it would be better to start with something lighter like a Lotus Esprit.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
Funny how all these posters on here who don't have an electric car know all about why they're not good enough and how they are only good for commuting. How many of you have ever driven an EV?
I've had a Tesla for 3.5 years and I have a very hard time seeing myself ever buying a non-electric car.
Still love my C3 but it's a weekend fun car.
I've had a Tesla for 3.5 years and I have a very hard time seeing myself ever buying a non-electric car.
Still love my C3 but it's a weekend fun car.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,628
Likes: 132
From: Duvall, WA
I've driven a neighbor's Leaf. It seemed like a fine appliance. There are more Teslas than Camrys in my neighborhood and the owners generally enjoy driving them from an enthusiast point of view. The only criticism I hear from owners is build quality, but nothing that would prevent them from buying another.
Funny how all these posters on here who don't have an electric car know all about why they're not good enough and how they are only good for commuting. How many of you have ever driven an EV?
I've had a Tesla for 3.5 years and I have a very hard time seeing myself ever buying a non-electric car.
Still love my C3 but it's a weekend fun car.
I've had a Tesla for 3.5 years and I have a very hard time seeing myself ever buying a non-electric car.
Still love my C3 but it's a weekend fun car.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Hybrid electric is the only way to go...until a MUCH better way to store electricity is invented. The "battery" doesn't really do the job that vehicles need: too heavy, too expensive, not enough capacity, too short a lifespan. To date, electrics are not viable means of transportation for the masses....for the wealthy, maybe.
But, one of these days, someone will invent a better way to store massive amounts of electricity in an 'affordable' manner. When that happens, EVERYONE will be driving electric vehicles.
To be sure, the internal combustion engine is about as antiquated as the incandescent light bulb is to LED's. LED's are much better...but, like electric vehicles, they are too expensive compared to what they are replacing. Big oil, Big auto, etc are entrenched with the internal combustion engine and they will RESIST change as long as they can--even if the change is better for society and everyone on the planet.
But, one of these days, someone will invent a better way to store massive amounts of electricity in an 'affordable' manner. When that happens, EVERYONE will be driving electric vehicles.
To be sure, the internal combustion engine is about as antiquated as the incandescent light bulb is to LED's. LED's are much better...but, like electric vehicles, they are too expensive compared to what they are replacing. Big oil, Big auto, etc are entrenched with the internal combustion engine and they will RESIST change as long as they can--even if the change is better for society and everyone on the planet.