We can use modern technology to develop eco friendly cars. These days nearly all major automakers are using advanced technology to design and manufacture green cars, which don’t emit much CO2 and use alternate fuels as source of power. Besides automobile companies, many innovative designers have also developed zero-emission cars. Here we are introducing you with eight homemade electric cars that will surely inspire you to create your your own.
1. Ben Nelson's DIY electric car
The idea to design an electric car hit Ben Nelson, an Oconomowoc-based video producer, in 2008. Nelson spent $500 to buy an economy car and then read several books to research on electric cars. He also met some people to get more ideas about electric cars. He fetched electric motors for $50. He removed the gas trunk of the car and sold some parts of the car. Nelson claims that his car can attain top speed of 45 mph and has a range of 20 miles.
2. Z-Kart by California man
California resident George Fortin has designed and developed an electric car named Z-Kart. The car looks like a buggy and lacks the safety features which are present in modern cars. The one seater has a range of 20miles. A DC motor helps the car touch a top speed of 40miles/hr. Fortin has used solid polyethylene to make the frame of Z-Kart.
3. Homemade electric car offers 80 miles of green drive at 100mph
Software engineer Raul Atkinson has designed an electric car using a Dayton car kit. Raul spent two years to design and develop Raptor, which derives power from a 3-phase AC induction motor and nickel-hydride batteries. The car can go from 0- 60mph in just 8 seconds and has a range of 80 miles. It can reach a top speed of 100mph.
4. DIY electric car runs 200 miles on old lead-acid batteries
David Cloud did his bit for the environment by manufacturing an electric car from a 1997 Geo Metro. Motors are fitted on each rear wheel, which help the car attain a top speed of 72mph. The car can accelerate from 0-60mph in 18 seconds. It has a range of about 200 miles.
5. Homemade car adopts weird looks for zero-emissions
Iowa-based Joseph Rush has designed and developed an electric car which derives power from both wind and sunlight. The solar panels of the car can generate a total of 78W. The wind turbine is fitted in the front. The wind turbine can generate 400W. The 6V batteries store the generated energy. Rush claims that the car can touch a high speed of 50mph.
6. A DIY Electric Sports Car that could do with some extra power
Software professional Mark Fowler deserves credit for building an electric sports car from scratch. Fowler has based his car on the Clubman body and chassis kit and has fitted n electric motor under the hood.
7. Retired auto mechanic builds electric car for just $500
Robert Lange, who was once an auto mechanic, has used his expertise to build an electric car. Lange has developed B.O.B or Balanced-Over-Batteries Car vehicle spending only $500. The batteries are fitted below the cockpit of the passenger. The batteries provide counterbalance when the driver turns the car.
8. DIYer converts VW Beetle into a complete electric MG TD
Doug Small has made an EV TD from a MG TD. He has fixed fiberglass shell over a Volkswagen Beetle to design the car of his dream. The idea to develop an electric car came to Small’s mind in 2007 and he started working on it in 2008. The car has a range of 20-25 miles and it can reach a top speed of 55mph.
