THE popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to increase, with a variety of manufacturers presenting electric cars to a market still learning how to choose one. You can also build an EV and, sure enough, I’ve now been asked by a client to engineer my first one: an ICV (Individually Constructed Vehicle) trike. So I had to deal with three engineering aspects at the same time: an ICV, a trike and an EV all in the one project.
The only part that I was not experienced in was the EV aspect, so I had to learn the current regulations. Luckily I had a good client who knew his stuff, and the result of our cooperative efforts is an EV trike called T-Rev, registered and on the road. For my part, I read everything available to be able to assist him and ensure that the vehicle met the National Guidelines for the Installation of Electric Drives in Motor Vehicles. This is available for anyone to download for those interested in going a similar route.
So this month I wanted to give you an overview of what you need to consider when constructing an electric vehicle. After all, it won’t be long before we start seeing EV street machines!
CURRENT MATTERS
NEEDLESS to say, building an EV is completely different to building a car with a regular internal combustion engine, but there plenty of rules to guide EV builders down the right path.
Most EVs will be hazardous voltage (HAZV) rated, which means they will operate above 60V DC; this is necessary to get higher power levels. Conversely, extra-low voltage (ELV) vehicles operate below 60V DC. Most will use batteries with non-spillable liquids and without discharge gas (e.g. lithium or NiMH) so that full sealing of the battery compartment can be avoided.
This story is from the May 2020 edition of Street Machine Magazine.
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This story is from the May 2020 edition of Street Machine Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
ARBY’S EFFORTS TO IMPROVE HIS VG VALIANT’S 60-FOOT TIMES YIELD PROMISING RESULTS IN THE RUN-UP TO STREET MACHINE DRAG CHALLENGE
ANIKA HODGES
THE CAR DROVE INTO OUR SHED AS A CREAM 202CI VC AND DROVE OUT AS A SILVER CAR WITH A 355 V8
STAGE FRIGHT
IT TOOK OWEN SCOTT MORE THAN 20 YEARS TO BUILD A TROPHY-WINING, 600HP EH HOLDEN UTE THAT WILL STAND THE TEST OF TIME
THE Ummmal SUSPECT
FORGET WHAT YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT MINI-TRUCKS. THIS SUMMERNATS TOP 60 HILUX IS A PROPER STREET MACHINE
FULLY UTILISED
HARDWOOD ROD & CUSTOM TURNS DARREN ISON'S HAND-ME-DOWN HT INTO A SMOOTH OPERATOR
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
ARBY’S EFFORTS TO IMPROVE HIS VG VALIANT’S 60-FOOT TIMES YIELD PROMISING RESULTS IN THE RUN-UP TO STREET MACHINE DRAG CHALLENGE
PEOPLE POWER
WE TAKE A LOOK BACK AT 36 YEARS OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS - AND MOST DEMOCRATICALLY AWARDED - HONOUR IN OUR SPORT: STREET MACHINE OF THE YEAR
OUT-AND-OUT MAYHEM
STREET MACHINE DRAG CHALLENGE IS ALREADY A ROLLICKING GOOD TIME, BUT WHAT CAR EVENT CAN'T BE MADE EVEN BETTER BY ADDING A BURNOUT COMP? INTRODUCING OUR INAUGURAL RODS OUT!
BAD TO THE BONE
THANKS TO HIS SON, ANDY, THE LATE MARIO COLALILLO’S 39 PLYMOUTH COUPE IS BACK ON THE ROAD AND STILL ONE OF THE BADDEST HOT RODS IN THE COUNTRY
THE CHALLENGE IS REAL
FROM TRACK DRAMAS TO SOARING TEMPERATURES, DRAG CHALLENGE 2024 THREW US SOME OF ITS TOUGHEST TESTS YET, BUT IT ALSO BROUGHT SOME OF THE QUICKEST TIMES THE EVENT HAS EVER SEEN
