Hello EV Friends, Imagine my surprise at seeing all this chatter about some perpetual motion Electric DeLorean when I've already been in the midst of considering converting just such a striking vehicle to electric. My version would of course be well-grounded in the laws of the physical world, as we know them today.
I've already been bouncing this idea off of John Wayland and keeping an eye out for a DeLorean with a straight body and an ailing engine. This idea smacked me in the head (ouch!) when I saw two GORGEOUS restored DeLoreans at the Greenwood Avenue Car Show in Seattle earlier this year where SEVA had a fantastic, albeit underrepresented, exhibit. The two D's were just down the avenue from our electric car display. I talked with the owners, took lots of pictures, and otherwise attempted not to drool on the brushed stainless steel body panels. Yes, Back-to-the-Future puns and all, I just can't stop thinking about a properly-done Electric DeLorean. I was surprised to learn that some five or six-thousand DeLoreans are circulating in the US. It is a collectible car, but I had no idea there were so many. I don't see them up here in the Pacific Northwest all that much. So it seems to me that one way to preserve such an interesting footnote in recent automotive history would be to do a remarkably factory-like conversion using the best-of-the-best components and knowledge from our talented EV community. Too often these collectibles sit while the original engine decays. Aside from the fact that I have always liked the DeLorean DMC12, and despite its edgy polarizing body (pun intended, you either love it or hate it), the interior bears a truly striking resemblance to that of the GM EV1 (well, and the Pontiac Fiero). Hmm! So far, my wish-list is: 1981 DeLorean (manual) with the integral gas flap in the hood Avcon charge port under the gas flap for 220VAC input 110VAC input located elsewhere, an Avcon cheater cable, or a spring-retractable cord reel (like a canister vacuum, but heavy gauge and must be completely pulled out to dissipate potential heat build-up) Siemens AC drive NiZn or NiCd battery pack Rudman Regs PFC-50 charger LED (LEDtronics) running lamps HID Sylvania retrofit sealed-beam headlamp system Automatic climate control optimized for economy or comfort, user selectable Various embedded software (my favorite part!) Wayland SQ-Competition Stereo System (my other favorite part) I'd aim to keep the batteries well hidden and evenly distributed. There is a large center tunnel between the seats, so it might be possible to arrange a drop-down "T-shape" battery rack like the EV1. I'm not averse to a droppable battery pack so long as it can be done with normal automotive shop tools rather than a specialized lift table. However, seeing pictures of the unique Lotus-designed Y-frame makes me wonder if there would be room for such a plan. In keeping with the theme of the car, there should be a good amount of stainless steel (and/or aluminum) metal work, preferably by Frank, "The Metal God" Himself. Aside from any restoration work, I'd try to keep the car factory looking and carefully crafting any improvements in keeping with the original design philosophy. If it leaves the impression that the car might have been a one-off electric pre-production prototype, then I have succeeded! Of course, I wouldn't try to mislead anyone about MY Electric DeLorean. :-) Nevertheless, this would certainly be a show-stopper at various EVents, and one that I sincerely hope would not be tainted by any perpetual-motion claims. I'm so jazzed about this project that I'd even consider selling my prized factory Ford Ranger EV to fund it (and make room for it). But before committing to the insanity of it all, I should come up with a plan, budget, and a dose of reality. ;-) Actually, I've already come to terms with the fact that the EV bug is a chronic affliction that can be managed, but never cured. So, I'm open for suggestions on this! -- Geoff Shepherd http://www.geoff.shepherd.com Everett, WA '98 OEM Ford Ranger EV '00 Honda Insight See you at Woodburn THIS WEEKEND!!
