The Beast
A 17-year-boy, Lucas Laborde, after spending about 150 hours during the summer, finally ended up with battery powered car. All the conversion work was done by Luke himself, with a little assistance from his father. Originally, this gas burning car, Bradley GT II, was bought from eBay for $5,000. After spending another $4,700, Luke managed to convert it from gas powered to battery powered. Thus, in $10,000 Luke estimates that the car will be able to make about 20 round trips from his home to school, between charges.
The Machine
Eight 80-pounds, 12-volt each, lead-acid batteries arranged in series, can provide a total of 96 volts of current. In place of gasoline engine, the electric motor is placed in the reconstituted Beetle’s trunk. A special gauge provides information about the flow of current to the motor.
The Thrill
What can be more thrilling to take ride in car that’s your own creation, and that too with the feeling that you are contributing towards reducing emission. A top speed of about 45 mph is not at all bad!
Via: Gas2
