Making a Hybrid Conversion

[Derwin]

I own a 2003 (I think!) Chevy Tracker Convertible, and I was wondering if it were possible to convert this into a hybrid vehicle. I really don't know a thing about it, and thought I would throw this new thread up and see if anybody has any knowledge about doing this.

If you know how to do this, or if it can even be done at all, please post the details to this thread. I'm interested if there are any kits, or other type of conversion parts that are needed, as well as the costs that are involved.

I really love this little vehicle, and I would love it even more if I were getting 100mpg!!! =y:

http://www.flytheroadclub.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=544&stc=1&d=1214410955

This isn't actually MY tracker. I just found an image of one on the internet since I don't have a photo of mine. But it's exactly the same!

Derwin

[RAN]

Trying to convert to all electric is hard enough.... adding the complexity and expense of a genset to the equation is going to be daunting, to say the least. That's why I'm so interested in metal fuel cells. Their potential for either fully powering an EV or being used as a range extender is unmatched.

You can Google geo tracker ev to get some idea of the EV conversions that have been done.
Also, check out Bill Kemp's website: Zero Carbon Car (http://aztext.com/zero_carbon_car.cfm)
(BTW, he's the one who did the hybrid Miata conversion).

Converting to EV is not just about the nuts and bolts. There are many ways to go in the conversion, depending on your priorities (acceleration vs range vs top speed vs, as always, money).

[Derwin]

Wow! You mean to tell me that trackers have been coverted already? That's great! I guess my TOP priority is RANGE and MPG.........well MONEY would also come into play too!

So do you know of anyone who has converted a tracker into a HYBRID? Or just all battery? I know that an all electric would not serve my purposes. The golf club that I belong to is 100 miles round trip to and from the course, so I need something that can go the distance.....and get great mpg. Am I dreaming?

By the way, I have the Chevy Tracker...not the Geo. The Chevy is a little different in quality. I guess they upgraded it or something.

Derwin

[MikeB]

I vaguely recall that one of the x-prize entries is a hybrid conversion kit, they basically take a front wheel drive vehicle and attach hub motors to the rear wheels. Put a battery pack in the trunk and add a control module, and you've got an instant hybrid conversion.

Anyone else recall the project I'm thinking of? If I could recall the name, Google would find the details for us....


Oh, and going hybrid really won't help you any for highway mileage. It's city driving where it makes a huge difference, and that's mostly because of regenerative braking.


Edit: Found it - Poulsen Hybrid Conversion Kit (http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/poulsen-hybrid-car-conversion-kit-takes-aim-at-x-prize-your-wal/)
And the official site: Poulsen Hybrid (http://www.poulsenhybrid.com/index.html)

[RAN]

Derwin, if the club is 50 miles away, and you're going to be there for several hours, you could make an EV work. You can always plug it in while you're there. Plus which, if you go with any batteries better than lead acid, you could work yourself up to a 100 mile range (and still plug it in when you get there).
It requires a change in thinking to go electric. Why worry about getting better mileage when you can go without gas at all?

[Derwin]

Well, it's kind of difficult to get out of the mpg mindset since this is all we've know all our lives. But I think I'm getting there slowly.....but surely!

As far as converting the tracker to a complete EV, don't you think it's premature? Do you really think that the battery technology is there yet? I thought that the technology was still lacking when it came to battery power, and that's why VV decided to push back the introduction of their EV model.

If the tech IS there to convert my tracker to being an EV....AND get around 100 to 120 miles per charge, than HOW do I go about doing that?

Derwin

[RAN]

Here are a couple of links for you Derwin: FoxValley EAA (http://www.fveaa.org/) the Illinois chapter of the Electric Automobile Association.
Pioneer Conversions (http://www.pioneerconversions.com/), a company that actually does EV conversions in Illinois. I have yet to find a company like this in Phoenix :mad: I'd definitely give them a call.

Personally, I would check into using Nickel-Zinc or Lithium Polymer batteries. DC motors are less money, but don't offer regenerative braking. Generally, with a DC motor, you'd want to use the existing transmission (gotta be a manual). With an AC motor, you could consider doing essentially a direct-drive setup (similar to what Ian's doing with the V-1). There are more variables too, such as using ultracaps to augment the batteries (with an AC motor, they can store all the regen braking; more for high acceleration, probably not something I'd do to a Tracker). Then there's heat, a/c, and power steering to consider. There are many ways to do an EV conversion (mainly because the batteries are still the weakest link, they are all compromises), and you will have to decide what qualities are most important to you. For instance, I would be willing to spend more $ to convert a Boxster than I would a Tracker, as I would want more performance out of it, but the main thing is to quit using gas and get the performance you need, as opposed to the performance you might want.

PS: I think that Tracker would make a cool EV ;-)

[PHEVadvocate]

Some of you might have noticed my posts are down. I haven't been spending too much time online, because I'm helping out on this:

http://mneaaev.wikidot.com/volt-vette

I just live a few miles from Mike and been giving him a hand. I have even been for a spin around the neighborhood. The used Vet and all the parts have cost about $23K. Still a lot of work needs to be done (the dash is still torn apart), but the car can move on its own power. Nobody knows what the max speed will be or the range is yet. The calculations show it's over a 100 mph, but the range will be poor at that speed. This is an experiment in progress and a learning experience for me. The cost and range will go up when Mike gets better batteries for the car; right now he is using lead acid. For the mechanically or electrically inclined is not too hard of a project, it is just one that takes forever to do. Having a few skilled friends and members in the local EAA (Electric Automobile Association) chapter to do things like welding does not hurt too.

[RAN]

Wow, PHEV that's some project!
I'm a little short on the mechanically inclined part, and I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for the electrically inclined part today. :confused:
If I decide to do the EV Boxster, I'm going to have a conversion house do it (if I can find a good one here in Phoenix). There's a company in FL that does them now Cool Green Car (http://www.coolgreencar.net/), or World Class Exotics (http://www.worldclassexotics.com/Electriccarconv.htm) so that's an option too, but adds the expense of travelling there at least twice, and trucking the car back here.

Fortunately, I only put about 1000 miles/year on my old 4 cyl car that runs on regular and gets @24mpg city, so I can afford to wait it out for awhile.