Re: Electric Model A's
I would prefer a hybrid conversion where the stock four banger would be kept for normal driving and charging the batteries, and two electric motors driving the front wheels to accelerate at strop signs and up hills. I don’t know if anyone has engineered a hybrid, I've only seen full electric conversions for other cars but, as pointed out above, full electric would require too many batteries.
There was a show on Motor Trend TV about a guy in the UK that was doing electric conversion primarily for cars used in town, e.g., he converted a 1960’s Fiat 500 for a lady who used it for local errands. I’ve also heard of some of the shops that make replicas of Porsche Speedsters and 356’s will install an electric option instead of an gas engine.
With respect to gas prices, I’ve filled up the Model A at a local Union 76 station here in Southern California with non-alcohol gas they call “racing gas” for $10/gal. Of course, I don’t drive much anymore. It’s probably gone up since the last time I got gas up.
David Serrano
|