Build Your Own Plug-in Electric Car
Sure, wed all like to drive off in an all-new, dealership-supported, warrantied, and well-made GM Volt. But there are folks who dont want to wait until 2010. Indeed the do-it-yourself movement is rapidly underway. As we’ve discussed previously there are a variety of ways to “grow your own” electric car.
There are several companies that will take your Prius, swap out the stock batteries and swap in hand-made Li-ion batteries, allowing for an extended all-electric driving range, and mpgs >100. These companies include A123 Systems and Hybrids Plus. Other companies, such as AC propulsion, can swap in entire electric engines. You can even buy a production electric car from Tesla called the Roadster.
As gas prices rise and the momentum for electric cars increases, expect more and more of these companies and options to appear on the road ahead of the Volt.
Source: Voice of America
Popularity: 3%
(1 votes, average: 4 out of 5) 
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45 Responses to “Build Your Own Plug-in Electric Car”
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April 16th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
I think its best for Americans to wait for the volt. The Toyota president said that “We will win the war after the war is over” years back. Toyota is very aggressive and nasty in making other car companies look bad with posting fake numbers and covering up problems with their cards.
Also when you buy a Toyota you are only giving 5% of the money back to the usa.
http://www.levelfieldinstitute.org/docs/scorecards/ford-v-toyota-scorecard-lfi.pdf
I have owned foreign cards and American cars and to be honest have spent less money owning American.
Toyota is out to brain wash people including I hear giving large donations to Consumer Reports.
We in the old days called it Consumer Distorts.
GE
June 4th, 2007 at 9:50 pm
Shut up
June 9th, 2007 at 12:47 pm
I would be happy to design and build a solar photovoltaic carport for your volt. When the car is not there the solar power is fed back into the utility’s electric grid allowing your electric meter to go backwards building a electricity credit. I get a check from my utility for the solar power produced but I don’t use.
Big oil has told you solar doesn’t work, you believed them? I’ve fouty years of solar and counting. Folks, solar panels don’t wear out. The solution (Sun) comes up every day, how you use it is up to you.
June 9th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
I want to buy American, as well, when they make a good product. Another word, more apt, for brainwashing is “marketing”. “Big Oil” is big because they were smart. “Big Goverment” is big because liberals believe they know what to do with your money better than you do and you keep believing them. Please folks, there is no conspiracy - take off your foil hats and don’t let GM think that the only people interested in electric are kooks…
July 23rd, 2007 at 12:56 pm
Buy American? Please. I’ve been driving Toyotas for 14 years - they have been the best vehicles I’ve EVER owned, and I’ve owned about 30. My Prius, with the EV option enabled, delivers 60mpg day in and day out - 50mpg when in “blend” or normal hybrid mode. 40,000 miles on it so far with NO problems. I plan to build my own plug in battery system soon, to be charged by my home solar/hydro-electric systems. Wait for GM? That’s a laugh! I’ll be too old to drive by the time the USA clones today’s Prius!
October 24th, 2007 at 11:45 pm
By the time you can buy a CHev hybrid you will be able to pay a substantial deposit with the money you save on fuel driving a Prius. Prius is here today, and the PHEV conversions are being done today. The Volt is most likely a marketing excersise. When was the last time you saw a car maker release so much information about a coming product? There are a lot of other concept cars out there that will never make it into production.
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April 6th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
GM deigned and built a very good electric car called the EV1 in the late 90’s. GM refused to sell the car and instead leased the EV1 to people.
People leasing the EV1 and wanting to buy the EV1 were told to go take a hike.
GM and big oil decided the EV1 threatened their business models. The car required little or no maintenance and no gas.
When GM killed the EV1, it not only crushed all EV1 cars made, but “schredded” them.
With business ethics like that, people in America deserve better. In my opinion, if Toyota, or any other manufacturer can build a reliable economical electric car, I would trust them before trusting GM again.
You need to see the movie, “Who Killed the Electric Car ?”
GM could have made the Volt years ago, but for the wrong reasons didn’t. The EV1 battery technology was very good.
Maybe GM wants to kill the electric car this time by telling us that only the latest space age battery is required for their electric car, so the car will be so expensive only a few GM executives could afford one.
After seeing the movie, Who Killed the Electric Car, my trust and respect for GM is very diminished.
Probably all the research data on the existing battery technology is coming from Exon or Chevron. It’s sad that our largest oil companies and our largest car companies have betrayed our trust so much.
The money we pay the Arabs for their oil funded the 9/11 hijackers and helps pay for the bombs and bullets killing our troops. Shipping boat loads of money to the Arabs is dumb.
Seems like the big oil companies and large car companies are more interested in insuring their future than insuring the future of our country.
The Bush-Cheney energy policy today is written by big oil for big oil. The battery research data being published is probably written by big oil.
The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell cars are a serious distraction to appear to be doing something by proposing technologies that will be decades away in becoming reality. Somehow Bush and science seems like an oxymoron.
We seriously need an electric car, but I am very skeptical that GM has changed very much in the last couple of years. According to the movie, Who Killed the Electric Car, the last EV1 built was schreded in 2005.
May 4th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
TO WILLIAMS WILLIAMS MOST OF YOUR GOOD TOYATAS ARE AMERICAN BUILT . AND MOST SO CALLED DOMESTICS W/ BAD REPUTATION ARE MADE IN MEXICO,KOREA OR CANADA W/ CHINESE MOTORS. DO RESEARCH BE PATRIOTIC AND SUPPORT AMERICANS .NOT AMRERICAN COMPANIES ONLY. ILL BUY A UNION BUILT TOYOTA THAT WAS MADE IN THE USA BEFORE A EQUINOX WITH A CHINESE MOTOR.
May 4th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
SHOULD HAVE TAKEN TYPING LOL
May 5th, 2008 at 2:34 am
Jim, I live in Australia so I think the Toyotas I have been driving the last 25 years have not been made in the USA. I’ve had new and old both Australian and Japanese and Toyota make the best volume production cars and they make the best, most popular Hybrid.
Some USA cars were released on the market here, Suburban(failed), F150(failed), PT Cruiser(Survived), Neon(failed), Jeep(survived), 300C (surviving) just. General US manufactured cars have a reputation for unreliable poorly built cars, the workers aren’t to blame, the engineers and management are.
Ford, General Motors and Toyota make cars here, Toyota is the market leader although the US manufacturers have been here longer. Toyota’s reputation for quality is global and due to their structure and management not because they have better workers.
Why be loyal to US manufacturers when they are crapping on the US worker sending jobs to cheap labor markets? Loyalty like respect needs to be earned.
May 5th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
PT CRUISER (MADE IN MEXICO) AND ARE CRAP, 300C (MADE IN CANADA W/ MEXICAN DRIVETRAIN), SORRY UNINFORMED PAT SPARK BUT I DONT THINK YOU ARE HONEST AT ALL. MAYBE A SPOKESMAN FOR TOYOTA OR WORKING ON COMMISION AT A DEALER GOOD LUCK
May 5th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Maybe I am a public servant working for the South Australian government. You can most likely search the internet to see how many suburbans and F150s made it onto the road here if you like.
My point is that American products have such a poor reputation outside the US (and inside from what I can gather) because they earned that reputation trading on flag waving loyalties. You do them no favors by allowing this to happen and you do a diservice to
your country suporting a manufacturer who is harming the reputation of your nation by sending crap overseas.
Hey Toyota, how come I haven’t been paid?
Maybe because I’m just a fan not an employee.
May 5th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Jim, do you realise if you use all caps it is the equivalent of shouting in on line chat? It isn’t as easy to read either.
May 5th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Well the most popular biggest selling Toyotas are Camry and Tacoma both built in the states. And like you proved the intelligence is not any greater outside of them. And most of what you listed were not made in the states. Ignorance is what it is that keep crap like the PT Cruiser selling. Even alot of Jeeps sold to other countries are Chinese crap they dont sell here. Like those GTOs overpriced junk . the stamped suspension etc inferior because made for your unfinished roads. Ford killed the Escort and Probe by having Mazda start making engines or just heads that warped for them. zoom zoom
May 7th, 2008 at 11:32 am
At least car companies are thinking about electric cars, whether they will put any good ones on the market is anybody’s guess. But reagardless, whoever makes a good 100 mile range electric or electric hybrid, I’ll buy one. Anything is better than paying mega bucks for foreign oil.
We have all been taken for a ride while foreign oil and big oil companies suck the money out of our pockets and then want more.
Everyone should be doing something, anything possible to fight big oil and foreign oil. Build an electric car, build a HHO unit to get more MPG… any darn thing possible toward not paying another cent to big oil. My hat is of to anyone that gives it a try…
May 9th, 2008 at 11:45 am
As I asked Jim,
“Why be loyal to US manufacturers when they are crapping on the US worker sending jobs to cheap labor markets? Loyalty like respect needs to be earned.”
You said it, Toyota, a Japanese company are building cars with US labour while GM, Ford and Chrysler are selling your American jobs overseas in order to make more profits. They don’t seem to care about you, why do you care about them?
Do you know South Korea isn’t China?
May 9th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
I don’t buy Domestic cars built elsewhere. And if you work for goverment your a moron not supporting the taxpayers who pay you.Your not paid by Chinese Korean or Japanese. And thanks for the elementary School Lesson even dropouts like yourself should know.And egypt and isreal different countries to genius!!! LOL
May 9th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Oops sorry didn’t capitalize Egypt and Isreal hope didn’t confuse you Pat.
May 10th, 2008 at 1:12 am
Where does the oil come from to power your gas guzzling American car or truck Jim?
I’ll try typing a little slower for you Jim, the American car companies you support because they have an American flag out the front are selling your jobs overseas for quick profits. (See Chinese Jeeps above) You gotta love em eh? How hard do they try to tell you their cars are made off shore? Not at all.
Maybe you should log out until you’re sober Jim. How is this months batch of moonshine anyway?
Oh no I broke a golden rule, never argue with a fool, they bring you down to their level then beat you with experience.
By the way Jim, too in that sentence should have 2 Os not 1.
May 10th, 2008 at 9:11 am
Im sorry not a typist like yourself moroon. And those Chinese Jeeps arent sold to us just idiots that dont care what they are buying like yourself.And my so called gas guzzling American car gets better mileage than ANY of the Crap you bought!!!!!! DumbA–. Too bad your not smart enough to use facts .Genuis LOL
May 10th, 2008 at 11:45 am
So your American car gets better gas mileage than my 2004 Toyota Prius? Schwinn make a pretty sweet ride hey? My Prius uses less fuel than my motorcycle.
It’s a pity you resort to attacking the debater rather than advancing your argument.
You don’t need to be a typist to know how to spell. Are you calling me a maroon or did you mean moron? Sorry I’m not as bright as you so I get confused easily.
Jim, here is a fact. The American car companies you support because they have an American flag out the front are selling your jobs overseas for quick profits. (See Chinese Jeeps above) You have got to love them eh? At the same time Toyota, a Japanese company have been building factories to build cars in the USA.
May 10th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
YOU DIDNT METION THAT!!!! But you dont seem to retain to well. If you recall you mentioned your PT LOOSER ,Jeep , Suburban Etc . Your as confused as your Parents.Guess thats why named Pat weren’t sure what you were LOL lmao
May 10th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Japanese companies don’t have to be bother with unions , so they can build as many factories as the want too.
May 10th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Your Prius cost 3 times as much as mine and im getting 38mpg compared to your 51mpg with much higher maintenance and half the horsepower . prius has 50 less horsepower than my bike . You keep shining like a lump of coal LOL. And you have a tough time compehending. If you would pay attention like you should have in school. Id buy a Toyota made here before the crap from Mexico Korea or China you buy. Even though Toyota symbol looks like a Mexican >sabraro and all lol
May 10th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
The biggest selling Toyotas are Union built Genius . Speedy not so quick
May 10th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Well this site seems to be lacking any actual information .Alot of fiction writers
May 10th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Your reading comprehension isn’t too flash there Jim.
[quote]Some USA cars were released on the market here, Suburban(failed), F150(failed), PT Cruiser(Survived), Neon(failed), Jeep(survived), 300C (surviving) just. General US manufactured cars have a reputation for unreliable poorly built cars, the workers aren’t to blame, the engineers and management are.
[/quote]
I never said I owned any of these american designed snot boxes.
You must have strong legs Jim.
May 11th, 2008 at 2:42 am
They are not all USA built cars dumbass. Your Ignorance is boring me. And yes I do have strong legs but nothing to do with it.
May 11th, 2008 at 8:02 am
I was pointing out I didn’t say I ever owned any of those cars I said there was an effort to bring them to the Australian market but as people perceived them to be US cars they wouldn’t touch them because American cars are crap in a global market.
You can even scroll up and see that.
I was implying but it seems the extra strong batch of moonshine is affecting your recognition, that if you have an American vehicle that uses less fuel than my Prius then you must be referring to a Schwinn bicycle then you said your bike has 50 more horses than my Prius hence the strong legs comment. Are you keeping up here?
Now the Prius has had $25 in repairs in the last 4 years, how does that compare to you bicycle? 80,000 kilometres and I haven’t even had to put tyres on it yet.
Now I know you are acting dumb because no one is that thick so I am going to stop this discussion as it is senseless talking to you.
May 11th, 2008 at 9:19 am
DIDNT SAY MY CAR GOT BETTER GAS MILEAGE THAN YOUR PRIUS BUT IT DID CAST 1/3 THE COST GETS 2/3RDS YOUR GAS MILEAGE AND HAS TWICE THE POWER. YOU WILL NEVER MAKE UP THE DIFFERENCE EVEN IF GAS DOUBLES AGAIN
May 13th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Just some info for those who might want to know
Tacoma,Tundra,Sequoia,Corolla,Sienna MADE IN USA
Camry,Solara,Matrix MADE IN CANADA
Highlander,Prius,4Runner,Yaris,Land Cruiser,Celica MADE IN JAPAN
May 13th, 2008 at 9:43 am
80000 km is nothing only around 50,000 miles maybe alot for a Kia but not any descent car. Motorcycles are bikes too idiot. And most Schwinn bikes are junk .I have a Trek. No I get over 2/3 the gas mileage w/ my Saturn w/over 3 times the km on it. only replaced brakes 3x tires 3x oil , belt 3x , Exhaust once , and 2 battries in 14 years.
May 21st, 2008 at 8:40 am
I’ve got a four wheel drive 1968 dodge power wagon. IT has a 225 slant six w\ a single barrel carb. Foreign or domestic, I’ll run your a$$ over. Then what will you debating fools have.
May 24th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
I thought this was a discussion on electric cars not a pissing contest on who builds better cars!
As far as I’m concerned gas prices will never go down only up and we need an reliable alternative now and I don’t believe any of the current major manufacturers have the gonnads to build, support and market an affordable electric vehicle for the masses.
The technology is out there for a high range inexpensive to run vehicle (Tesla) but because they want to be millionaires in a short time they are only building a limited number at prices the average Joe can’t afford.
I live 26 miles from my job and would love to have a US built plug in electric (eventually solar charged) car that I can afford!
With the economy going south and fuel prices only climbing and the government doing nothing (obviously own oil stock) we need a company that will build a EV and not buckle to big oil!
Rob (New Hampshire USA)
May 24th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Rob;
I’m up here in N.H., also. Can’t wait for an electric car. I believe, however, that the government and car manufacturers are 100% behind the transition to electric. The energy bill submitted by congress (don’t know if it passed yet) has language in it for a tax deduction for plug-in electrics that could shave $5000 off the cost of a Volt. I also believe the car companies are starting to see the light. In the next few years, our transportation options will be amazing.
You know, when whale oil started to become scarce in the 1800’s, the oil oozing out of the ground in Pennsylvania was a solution. Now, oil is becoming the problem, worldwide. WE GOTTA GET OFF THIS STUFF!!! And everyone is starting to recognize it.
May 26th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
I really didn’t come to this page to read about people calling each other stupid. I’m searching for some legitimate information on building some sort of electric car. I’ve spent my whole life messing with internal combustion engines and intend to continue as long as I can. I’m not a tree hugger in any way shape or form. I DO believe that we need to find an alternative to fossil fuel to power our transportation devices. I live in a rural area and drive about 20 miles a day commuting to our family business. Most days I drive a 1/2 ton pickup with only me in it. Surely there has to be a way to build a small electric vehicle than can go 55 mph and be able to have a range of 40 to 50 miles on a charge. So far I’m not finding a whole lot of real “how to” info on how to get it done. I personally believe that there will have to be a fairly economical way to convert a majority of passenger vehicles to a different power source to make a move from gasoline. Too much infrastructure and personal investment in what we already have. The money is just not there to change everything in a 5 to 10 year period without being able to use much of what we already have.
June 3rd, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Todd, Google “Austin EV”, they have some great information.
June 3rd, 2008 at 10:20 pm
People think they have something special with underpowered vehicles that get 50 mpgs. When we have had them for 20+ years. The hybrids really need newer lightweight batteries to make them better than just a gimmick.Can take one of these old cars that got 50 mpg and turn it off at stoplights and get similar results.Dont get regenerating brakes but not carrying extra batteries.I personally cant wait to make my truck a hybrid and have best of both worlds . With paper thin solar panels for truck bed cover and lightweight batteries it would be awesome.Power and economy. And wonder about being in an electrical field for extended periods of time. Maybe not as bad with DC? Power lines have shown to greatly increase leukemia risks in children living near them. But thats higher voltage and AC . Anyone have info on this? Also I think the compressed air car think has alot of potential.Might actually get good use for that wankel motor since emissions are not an issue there.
July 17th, 2008 at 11:44 am
My 1994 Ford Ranger has over 200,000 miles and it wasn’t until this year that I had to have the clutch rebuilt and the Serpentine belt replaced (for the first time!). The damned thing is 14 years old and it’s still running great on its original engine and transmission. You want to talk about saving money? Try keeping your vehicle for that long (if it will last… I don’t know about these foreign made POS).
I cash my paychecks in American dollars, and I am willing to pay double for a product that is made in America and of American made parts. And this just isn’t patriotism, it’s economics. When I buy American made products, I’m helping to pay American wages of American employees who pay American taxes.
July 17th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Yea your country is supported by tax dollars not magnetic stickers on the back of your import. More salaries involved the more paying taxes instead of feeding on them.