I've been thinking off and on about doing a conversion on my 2004 Mini Cooper S, but the numbers just don't seem to make sense.
Alternative #1 - Convert the Mini:
40 CALB CA180's (~$243 ea, 3.2V nominal, 180Ah) - $9720 for 128V nominal, 23kWh.
Add in $7k-$8K for an AC system with regen - motor (AC-50), controller, DC-DC converter, charger, etc.
So that puts me at around $17k-$18k total parts for the conversion. Yes, I could save a bit and go with a DC system, but lets use $17 as cost of conversion (DIY; labor is free). Plus, I'll have to use my pickup as my daily driver until I finish the project (ugh).
Alternative #2 - Buy an eGolf:
Assume worst case (pay MSRP), $36,265 (no options, with dest charge). Federal and state incentives drop that to $26,265. Now sell the Mini for, say, $7000 (I could probably get 8k - rust free and low miles) - I'm at ~$19,000. I assume the Leaf, FFE, etc are similar.
So the two options work out to be about equal price-wise. But #2 gives me a new car, with 10 years worth of new tech (backup cam, park sensors, etc), fast charging, more range, a back seat and cargo area (vs a battery box), and just an all around cleaner design. #1 gives me an 11 year old electric car, with the pride of DIY.
It seems like doing a conversion isn't nearly as compelling as it once was.
Alternative #1 - Convert the Mini:
40 CALB CA180's (~$243 ea, 3.2V nominal, 180Ah) - $9720 for 128V nominal, 23kWh.
Add in $7k-$8K for an AC system with regen - motor (AC-50), controller, DC-DC converter, charger, etc.
So that puts me at around $17k-$18k total parts for the conversion. Yes, I could save a bit and go with a DC system, but lets use $17 as cost of conversion (DIY; labor is free). Plus, I'll have to use my pickup as my daily driver until I finish the project (ugh).
Alternative #2 - Buy an eGolf:
Assume worst case (pay MSRP), $36,265 (no options, with dest charge). Federal and state incentives drop that to $26,265. Now sell the Mini for, say, $7000 (I could probably get 8k - rust free and low miles) - I'm at ~$19,000. I assume the Leaf, FFE, etc are similar.
So the two options work out to be about equal price-wise. But #2 gives me a new car, with 10 years worth of new tech (backup cam, park sensors, etc), fast charging, more range, a back seat and cargo area (vs a battery box), and just an all around cleaner design. #1 gives me an 11 year old electric car, with the pride of DIY.
It seems like doing a conversion isn't nearly as compelling as it once was.