EV Conversion with Spark EV Components?

[melmsrt4]

Hello Everyone,
I'm new to this forum. My name is Mike. I'm thinking of starting a EV conversion project and want to use Spark EV components. I'm still in the research phase so I'm looking for posts and or links of others that might have done this before. I did try to use the search but I may have been using the wrong terms.

Anything you guys can direct me to would be great Thanks,
Mike

 

[Kermit]

I'm unaware of anyone on here that has done anything as far as a conversion. I did see Richrebuilds did some work on a Spark EV and has a video of some of the work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HeEK5cLNpw

 

[melmsrt4]

Thank you so much for your reply Kermit. I've seen some of his videos including the one with a spark. I'm hope to find someone that has done a total transplant. Motor, DCFC, batteries, controller etc into another vehicle ideally a fwd car, but I would be interested in anything. Thanks Again!

 

[TheLondonBroiler]

"Greg Goes Electric" on YouTube has done this with a LEAF into an old Mercedes, and apparently is doing a Spark EV into a MG, https://youtu.be/OAkb6DgqADE .

I keep thinking this would be a good idea, but I would put the Spark's battery equipment into a bigger 350 volt architecture pack (ex TM3 LR).

 

[melmsrt4]

Thanks TLB. I checked out GGE's other videos as well and subscribed to see more..

I have another question. Can you tell if a Spark has a DCFC by looking at the VIN? Looking to bid on an auction, but they don't ever show a picture of the charge port.

 

[TheLondonBroiler]

Thanks TLB. I checked out GGE's other videos as well and subscribed to see more..

I have another question. Can you tell if a Spark has a DCFC by looking at the VIN? Looking to bid on an auction, but they don't ever show a picture of the charge port.

Only way you can verify dcfc without seeing the port: 1)Asking GM with the vin # ; 2 )Seeing the orange loom under the hood (high resolution pics at the right angles are necessary).

 

[RichardKunz]

Hi Mike,
I've researched a few things on these forums before, but your post prompted me to make an account. I currently have a 2014 Chevy Spark that I got a few years back (salvage title, great price). I also have the everything under the hood from a 2015 Chevy Spark (it was cheaper to buy that than have the dealer fix the one small part for a repair). It's traction battery pack is a little iffy, range drops to 45 miles or so in the winter, but is around 60 in the summer. My long term dream is to put its innards into a classic car of some sort. I've been researching possibilities off and on since I got the car. A more short term goal is to replace the battery pack, or refurbish it if possible. I would also love to hear anyone's thoughts and advice on this topic. My biggest concern is what electronics/programming might object to being replaced with an alternative or simply disconnected and then reconnected. I've read a few posts in the Battery section with people warning that attempting to replace the battery will lead to its software disabling the vehicle. I'll continue to read through the other relevant posts and add anything I find here. Good luck with your project Mike, and let me know if I can help answer any questions! Thanks everyone else for the links and info!

 

[NORTON]

If I had the drive, and a shop, I'd build a 3 wheeler similar to the FWD trike called the Trihawk. It's sort of a 3 wheel Lotus 7. A few of the car magazines tested the 'production' version. They said you could not tell it was a 3 wheeler except for when the rear hit a bump in the middle of the road!

I could see having all the hardware and software from the spark with the only difference it has one back wheel which could be spoofed with having both rear wheel speeds sensors on the one wheel. Even use the stock brake/hub assembly. Up front the struts and A-arm points could remain in the same location with the tube frame built to match the original dimensions.
The single rear swing arm and spring shock would have to be custom made, or maybe cut the original rear suspension and figure out what coilover ,mounted on an angle, would be needed.

What if it ended up being half the weight? !!!

Oh to dream......!!!

 

[1935ChEVy]

Mike,
How are you coming along with your research? I have a 1935 Chevy pick up that I want to convert to EV and I am researching the feasibility of using a Spark as a donor vehicle. I’d like to get some insight from you or others that are planning or attempting this type of project.
Carl