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Ask HN: E-crate motors, any interesting projects?

12 points by uguuo_o ↗ HN
Two years after Ford unveiled their e-crate motors [0] and it being available for the public[1], are there any interesting ev conversions? Any plans to use these motors in the future? To me, it seems that this approach to converting ICE to EVs should be quite popular with privacy-minded individuals. Yes, the cost may be a bit prohibitive at this time but technology evolves and at some point it may be more tractable. I just can't seem to get past all of the connectivity in current EVs, I by far rather tackle one of these conversions.

[0] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29092212 [1] https://www.fordracingbyspeedshopdirect.com/mobile/product.aspx?ProductCode=m%2D9000%2Dmache&404;http://www.fordracingbyspeedshopdirect.com:80/ELUMINATOR_MACH_E_ELECTRIC_MOTOR_p/M-9000-MACHE.htm?gclid=Cj0KCQjww4OMBhCUARIsAILndv6efe4XCxsqTxdnOId70MWG8ZiW9NChbKXqA-vgPZ7hVSxkifvsyPYaApb5EALw_wcB

15 comments

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Hatrix
You can get the motor but, have to figure out everything else on your own. There other expensive parts. Add the cost of batteries and you might as well buy a new EV.
uguuo_o
Yes, the cost is on the high side at the moment. It is impractical, but it may be the only choice we ever have if we do not want an internet connected vehicle.
Hatrix
Internet or some type of electronic identification device will probably be required in the future for insurance, law enforcement or tax collection purposes. It will be embedded in the license plate.
uguuo_o
I will vote against this in any way I can for as long as I live.
DANmode
Can you get more than 5 other people to do the same? (I'm hoping so!)
dmbche
There are a couple shops that are doing EV conversions already, for not that much compared to a new EV. The issue is that since the vehicle isn't designed for batteries and an electric motor, there is a lot of wasted space and the safety of the batteries is kind of a grey area.

It's also prohibitevly expensive to get enough batteries for distance, and the controlers are awfully finicky and you kind of have to fight proprietary software if I remember correctly.

I just think we aren't there yet - but maybe I'm wrong!

Accujack
I think there are more projects working on Nissan Leaf motors than the Ford one.
GianFabien
I have come across several businesses that do conversions. Batteries are by far the biggest issue. ICE cars can't easily accommodate sufficient batteries. All the conversions I have looked at connect the electric motor to the gearbox with rear wheel drive cars. The range is only 200-300 mile at best. Getting cars roadworthy and certified after a conversion is a substantial exercise.

Unless you are converting a rust free, mechanically sound classic car, the typical conversion cost is just too much to be a realistic option.

vba616
Because I enjoy the torque of an electric motor, but not the weight of a battery, I have a dream of making a simple series hybrid from a classic car, with a motorcycle (sized) engine and a battery and a high torque electric motor.

Last I noticed, a non-plugin hybrid only needs 1% of the battery capacity. You could have a gas engine half the size or less, and you don't need a transmission either.

Unfortunately when I look at the available hardware for EV conversions, I get the impression that a battery pack has to be a certain size to get fast enough discharge and high enough voltage for a powerful motor like a Tesla's.

But imagine a classic rear-engine Porsche with, say, a boxer twin (from a BMW motorcycle, or I think there are twins made from/like half of a VW four used for small aircraft) and an EV motor that actually improved the weight distribution from stock.

HeyLaughingBoy
Why does it need to be "certified?"

You have an existing car with an existing title and registration. You replace the motor and drive off. What's the problem?

Then again, I live in MN, which doesn't have vehicle inspections.

GianFabien
In Oz, the vehicle standards regulations are over 500 pages. You have to have an engineer's certificate after any modifications in order to re-register the vehicle. That also applies to changing the ICE for a different one, etc. Technically even changing the ECU program is verboten. But people still do it and plug in the old ECU to pass inspections.
giantg2
I'm interested in this when they come out with the 1kwh/kg batteries that are supposed to be in testing. Seems like a great option to convert a pickup truck given its ability to handle more weight and have more space in the engine bay,under the bed, etc. Removing the engine and accessories you could swap in a 250kwh battery at a similar weight. Swap the transmission for an electric motor, and it's pretty appealing.
1970-01-01
The Venn diagram of EV conversion culture and the redneck hotrod community is almost nothing. I doubt these will ever be a hot commodity. It's more fun to pull a motor and battery out of a junkyard Model S or 3 and swap it into something.