Post Drive

The batteries went dead after a few minutes, since car batteries aren't meant to move the car.  The setup created lots of sparks and heat by my feet!  Here is the melted battery terminal after the jaunt.

The Corolla's First Electric Drive

The first drive!  We used 2 car batteries conveniently located near my feet to drive the car down the street.  The 24 volts pulled the car pretty strongly, but didn't allow us to get out of first.  It should be better with the 48 volt golf cart batteries.

Testing the New Coupler

The Coupler

Aidan and his grandfather constructed this lovely coupler!  Thanks!

Grinding the Clutch Spider

"It almost burned a hole in my pants" - Aidan

The spider was reused as part of the coupler.

Aidan Manning the Lathe

Round and round and round it goes...

Electrifying News!!!!!

Sorry about the lack of updates, but much has been happening with the Electric Corolla this weekend. Today, we finished the motor mount and the shaft coupler from the motor to the transmission. After hooking everything up, we attached a battery to the motor. It Worked!!!!!!! Now, we just need to buy electric stuff such as batteries and a controller, and the Corolla will be a bona-fide electric car. The videos of the progress will be posted in the coming days.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

Ben and I wish you a happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

Coupler!!!!

Today, our chief machinist, Grandpa Rogowski, and I went on a five hour expedition through the VA peninsula. We eventually emerged victorious with a 3 inch diameter, 4 inch long piece of metal that will become the coupler between the engine and transmission. We began to machine it, but tomorrow it will start in earnest.

Electric Motor "Rebirth"

We got the motor back today!  Thanks Howard and the folks at EMC for your generous contribution to our project.  We spun the motor with the almost dead car battery as you can see in the video.  It spins much more freely now that the bearings have been replaced and the commutator cleaned.

Parts Sale/Welding

Today we listed the extra parts on craigslist.  Want a 1995 Toyota Corolla power steering pump, radiator, intake manifold, A/C condenser, alternator, A/C compressor, water pump, or distributor?  If so, click the link.
http://norfolk.craigslist.org/pts/2059793127.html

We also fooled around with the welder in Aidan's garage.  Welding was surprisingly difficult.  It took a while, but we eventually stuck two pieces of metal together.  We burnt a hole through the table we were welding on, and I used a fire extinguisher for the first time.

Since EMC is still working on the motor, our next item on the to do list is to buy new tires.  Two of them are bald, and one has the steel belt poking through the side.  Hopefully, the motor will be done by Thanksgiving, so we can design its mount and go battery shopping.