Automobile/electricity-oriented dopers, I need to tap into your wisdom! I’ve been tossing around a little project in my mind that I’d like to pull off as soon as living conditions allow. Knowing that many normal folks (including my sixth grade science teacher) have been able to convert their standard, gasoline-fueled car to electricity, I think I’d like to give it a shot myself.
Over the years I’ve developed an almost superhuman level of patience, and I love to tinker with things. I think I’m qualified for the task in terms of willingness to learn (I’ve been reading up on auto mechanics for the last year or two), but I was wondering what a gasoline-to-electric conversion might entail. How much does it cost? Where might one obtain the necessary components and tools? What are the components and tools one might need?
Perhaps some of you have already done this, and I’d really like to learn how to convert a car myself. The canditate I have in mind would be a 87-89 Toyota MR2, mostly due to their cool looks, t-tops, lightness and inexpensiveness. Would their mid-engine configuration cause complications?
I’ve also seen a few books at the library on the subject; does anybody have any recommendations about which ones to read?