Recent Updates
Miata Project Update:
15 April 2012
Due to a misalignment of the motor shaft and the transmission front shaft, the motor-to-transmission adapter was redesigned . A computer-aided design file was created with the measurements taken from the transmission bell housing and the electric motor mounting hole drawing. This CAD file was used to drive a water jet machine to fabricate the new adapter plate.
Picture 1 shows the motor re-installed in the Miata with the new adapter plate.
Picture 2 shows the new adapter plate that was fabricated from a scrap of one inch thick aluminum.
Picture 3 shows the new motor-to-transmission spider coupling that was designed to eliminate the noise from the older coupling made using the original Miiata clutch plate.
14 July 2010
Due to the added weight in the Miata, the brakes needed improving. An Internet search revealed that the 1994 Miata brakes were 30% bigger than the 1991 brakes. So 1994 calipers were purchased from a junk yard and completely overhauled and painted.
10 May 2010
The pictures below show the motor controller heat sink that was fabricated. A U-shaped cavity was machined in the back of the ½" aluminum controller mounting plate and then covered with a ¼" plate to enclose a volume of water. The water acts as a coolant and is continuously pumped to the small radiator in the front of the vehicle, visible from the front grill.
20 November 2009
This is a picture of the motor and transmission before
insertion into the Miata chassis. Notice how much smaller the electric motor is than the original gasoline engine.
25 May 2009
The new Ground Control suspension has been installed and functions much better. The ride is great and the vehicle stance is perfect.
Welcome to the world of Electric Vehicles!
The first Electric Vehicle built was a 1997 Chevrolet S-10 pickup. It was converted in about 5 months and then driven continuously to and from work for two years. 
The performance of this vehicle was very pleasing, not to mention the economy and environmental impact. Whether traveling 70 mph on the freeway or slowly on the city streets, the vehicle was able to get 50 miles range on a charge. This allowed me to go to work and back with extra range left to go to lunch or run errands. A charge costs about $1.50 to drive 50 miles, that is more economical than buying gasoline. Also, you are not dependent on fluctuating foreign oil prices and the resulting pollution.
Following the sale of the S-10 pickup, I missed having an EV so I purchased a Mazda Miata. This vehicle has now been converted to an electric vehicle. This light chassis coupled with a powerful 20 Hp motor provides excellent acceleration. The motor has enough torque to take off in third gear and then shift to fourth and fifth as needed.
I have written a book about my experiences in the electric vehicle conversion process. This 135+ page book is loaded with pictures and is for sale. It can be purchased for $15.00. Go to My Book to take a closer look.
