Chevy Astro Electric Car Conversion

by Raed Badr
(Garland TX)

Electric car conversion? Not my first choice.

What is best electric motor to convert my van? I use it for light loads and most of the time its empty and can i keep the same transmission and if you can give tips how to mount the motor and things I need to watch for while I'm doing the job.

Hi, Raed -

I'm afraid I'm going to have to be the one to tell you what you don't want to hear...

...this conversion you're proposing is probably going to be a turkey.

If I were in your shoes, and I wanted an all electric vehicle, I'd look for a different donor. The one you've got is heavy (4000 pounds or so), automatic transmission, less aerodynamic than your average brick, et cetera.
Before you go any further, get a book to read on converting your car to electric.
Then, decide whether you're really committed to the van.
No? Get a lighter vehicle.
Yes? Maybe turning your Astro into a plug-in hybrid using an Electric Assist System might make you happier than straight electric.

If you've got to make a heavy vehicle electric, you should use an AC motor.

Regards,
Lynne