Methodology for Electric Conversion of a Small City Car

This paper proposes a methodology for selecting and converting a suitable mass-produced car with an internal combustion engine into an electric car for operation mainly in the city. For sufficient range and economical operation, a compact car model with low mass and low frontal aerodynamic resistance was chosen. For good traction on the drive wheels and space for passengers and luggage, a car with a rear-mounted engine driving the rear wheels is preferred. Since extra-urban driving is sometimes required, an induction motor with the necessary power reserve was selected. The conversion offers alternative batteries—budget lead–acid batteries and lithium–iron–phosphate batteries for increased range.