Whether you've just found our website or are just finding this post after visiting a few times, welcome! I think that this is a must-read page for anyone who wants to get the most out of what we are trying to accomplish here. In fact, I would suggest that you here find an opportunity to contribute to what we hope will become the go-to resource for individuals who want to undertake the impressive goal of building an electrical vehicle (EV) from scratch.
Let me lay a foundation for your expectations by going into some detail on the questions we hope to answer both in our content and our products. See something we've overlooked? Or perhaps take exception to some of this? That's where we value your contribution. Comment below and we'll be excited to have you participate with us as we build this into a rich resource for everyone who wants to create velocity out of electricity.
EV-Building Questions We Seek To Answer
General Building Considerations
- What type of vehicle should I build: a conversion of an existing gas-powered vehicle or a scratch-built EV?: This involves deciding whether to start with an existing vehicle and replace its powertrain with an electric one or to build a new vehicle from the ground up.
- What is the best platform or donor vehicle for an EV conversion?: This includes considering factors like vehicle weight, suspension, and brakes when selecting a donor vehicle.
- How do I ensure the vehicle meets safety and regulatory standards?: This involves researching and complying with relevant laws and regulations, such as those related to crash testing, emissions, and safety features.
Electrical and Powertrain Components
- What type and size of electric motor is suitable for my project?: This includes considering factors like power output, weight, and efficiency when selecting a motor.
- What kind of battery management system (BMS) do I need, and how do I implement it?: This involves understanding the role of a BMS in managing battery health and safety.
- How do I choose the right battery cells and configure them for my EV?: This includes considering factors like energy density, discharge rate, and thermal management when selecting and configuring batteries.
Charging and Electrical Systems
- What type of charging system should I use: Level 1, Level 2, or DC fast charging?: This involves considering factors like charging speed, convenience, and cost when selecting a charging system.
- How do I design and build a safe and efficient electrical system for my EV?: This includes considering factors like wire sizing, fusing, and grounding when designing the electrical system.
Control Systems and Electronics
- What type of control system should I use: a dedicated EV control unit or a custom-built system?: This involves considering factors like complexity, cost, and reliability when selecting a control system.
- How do I integrate components like the motor controller, BMS, and charging system?: This includes understanding the communication protocols and interfaces between these components.
Tools, Skills, and Resources
- What tools and equipment do I need to build an EV, and how do I acquire them?: This includes considering factors like workshop space, safety equipment, and specialized tools.
- What skills and knowledge do I need to acquire to build an EV, and how do I learn them?: This involves identifying areas where additional training or expertise may be needed, such as electrical engineering or welding.
- Where can I find resources and communities to help me with my EV build?: This includes looking for online forums, workshops, and local EV enthusiast groups for support and guidance.
Other Useful EV-Building Resources
While our goal is to be the go-to resource for EV builders, much information already exists and continues to grow on this topic. Be sure to include these in your learning process:
- The Electric Vehicle Association (EVA)
- The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
- The U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuel Data Center
- Online forums and communities like DIY Electric Car, Electric Vehicle Forum, and Reddit's r/ElectricVehicles
