Tom’s EV Dodge Neon
My friend Tom is an electronics engineer who runs a computer recycling company. He got a pallet of new old-stock batteries and then used a salvaged industrial AC motor and drive to convert a Dodge Neon to electric. There’s about 28 batteries in the car, each with its own 12V battery charger, to get to the voltage needed for a 240VAC motor to run off DC power. It’s a very interesting project. Take a look at the videos!
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AC drive system.
That’s a first for me.
I’m looking forward to this.
It’s 2011 what ever happened to this great car?
Thank you. Thank you for being a true Patriot. Thank you for being someone who actually does something, instead of complaining like the rest of the sheep, but not actually doing anything to remedy the problem. Thank you for being a true American! Only in Wisconsin 😀
I mean, I would never drive a Chrysler product ever again, after almost being killed in a low speed collision! But I would drive Tom’s Neon in a heartbeat. They refuse to make EV’s readily available replacement to gasoline, so we make them ourselves! Rock on!
I want to do this to my 1992 Toyota pickup. I live in Tennessee, and most of those vehicles are lifted for farm utility trucks and for teenagers to go muding in. Mine isn’t like that. Its pretty much a Camry with a truck body. I have been looking around for a motor to replace the gasoline one with, but I keep finding 72 volt motor. What are the specifications of the motor you used, and where can I get one?
Excellent project Tom. I’ve been considering going all electric, and have recently decided it’s time to do it. Can you explain the benefits of an AC drive versus the typical DC? Some downsides?
Tom is still using and driving this car. I’ll try making a video sometime on his latest updates.
Any further updates? I noticed in the videos of driving around he’s in the Milwaukee area. I’m in the Milwaukee area and I’m a neon enthusiast. Would love to learn more and maybe get some pics of this build if possible.
Hi Steven,
The owner/builder of the EV Neon is Tom G. He hangs out at the Milwaukee Makerspace. Stop on over and say hello! http://www.milwaukeemakerspace.com
You probably want an electric forklift motor or the like
http://www.ebay.com/bhp/electric-forklift-motor