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Retired Autoworker Converts Early Saturn Coupe to Battery Power (Visit this link)
Bob retired after putting in thirty years at Ford and kicked off the project after doing some research by borrowing $6,000 and buying the Saturn for about $500. He chose the Saturn based on his belief that if someone is going to drive an electric car it should still be a nice looking and desirable car. He purchased the bulk of the parts started by pulling the original powertrain out. The conversion took about two months after being interrupted by surgery on his hand. He had help from his step-father and technical assistance Bob Batson at EV of America. Most of the original parts were procured from eBay, including a 9.1 inch DC electric motor. The motor is rated at 76hp peak and 24hp continuous. Bob kept a 5 speed manual transmission without the clutch so combined with the electric motor torque, the performance is adequate. Electrons are stored in a dozen Trojan deep cycle 12V lead acid wet batteries mounted in the trunk and under the hood. The batteries require maintenance about once a week and Bob has to add a gallon of distilled water. Other components were purchased from suppliers like KTA in California. Inside, Bob has added gauges to monitor the state of the system including individual level meters for each battery. The complete car weighs about 3,400lbs.
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