P6 electric conversion

Mark B

New Member
I realise this might be a controversial post. As part of a restoration project I am planning to replace my P6’s engine and transmission with an electric motor. As far as I can tell this is not something that has been done before. Is there interest from the group in following the progress of converting my 1969 2000 automatic into an electric vehicle?
 
I took my diff out and grafted a jag diff in instead. I did toy with the idea of getting another P6, removing the diff, and grafting a ipace rear motor in there. 200bhp would be plenty, and plenty of room in the engine compartment and where tank is presently.

Then a Cresta came along and all that went out of the window :)
 
I’d be very interested in your progress. I’m of the opinion that if the engine is key to a classic’s character its should remain. If it’s other items (P6 ride and handling for instance) there’s a case for looking at other power options. It was designed for a gas turbine after all! I guess the big questions are: Where to find room for the batteries at a low enough point. How well can a P6 diff handle the torque of an electric motor (to @quattro point, a jag diff could fix that).
 
I realise this might be a controversial post. As part of a restoration project I am planning to replace my P6’s engine and transmission with an electric motor. As far as I can tell this is not something that has been done before. Is there interest from the group in following the progress of converting my 1969 2000 automatic into an electric vehicle?
Yes I would be very interested. There are a number of companies in Australia already doing this. Why Australians Are Converting Classic Holdens Into EVs. But according to this article it is very very expensive to get the regulatory approval. Over here to get a "HQ" Holden done, think of a larger FE Victor, is $60,000 or 30,000 GBP.
Ouch. This would have to be very much heart over head. However if it's a DIY job it may be cheaper. If it's your passion, give it a go.

Lewis
 
Thanks guys. I will keep you posted. Changing it for a new EV would be a more sensible financial proposition but I think this will be more interesting. I’m getting professionals to do the job and we will share the details.
As for the diff, I don’t want to stray too far from the performance characteristics of the 2000 auto. The plan is for electronic limiting on the motor to keep the torque within a safe range but it is useful to know that there are options available if it does fail.
 
There may be a time when we have no choice but to convert old cars, so I'm keen to know how you get on.
 
It may be wise to not cut, drill holes in, or modify the base unit in any way during the conversion, otherwise it may end in tears.
 
(to @quattro point, a jag diff could fix that).

I didn't mean to fit a jag diff, I meant to fit the rear electric motor of the ipace, instead of the diff, then you have no gearbox, no diff, no prop, just a 200bhp rear axle. Put the batteries in the engine bay to balance it all up.
 
There may be a time when we have no choice but to convert old cars, so I'm keen to know how you get on.
I doubt that. You can still drive a traction engine on coal into central London if you are determined enough. There'll be be petrol vehicles for decades.
 
I didn't mean to fit a jag diff, I meant to fit the rear electric motor of the ipace, instead of the diff, then you have no gearbox, no diff, no prop, just a 200bhp rear axle. Put the batteries in the engine bay to balance it all up.
That's an interesting idea. It would be good to keep the DeDion rear end, that is core to the P6's ride and handling.
 
I didn't mean to fit a jag diff, I meant to fit the rear electric motor of the ipace, instead of the diff, then you have no gearbox, no diff, no prop, just a 200bhp rear axle. Put the batteries in the engine bay to balance it all up.

That's an interesting idea. It would be good to keep the DeDion rear end, that is core to the P6's ride and handling.
 
From the initial discussion with engineers it sounds like it is easier to get compliance certificate if the weight distribution and suspension is maintained close to original. Keeping the diff and de Dion tube also means minimal change to base unit and to the ride and handling so that is the current plan. It does mean performance will be limited but I’m used to that.
 
Very interested to learn of your progress.

Off topic
I am currently contemplating installing an electric A/C system. Our car (owned 54 years) does not have A/C and using an electric compressor seems simpler than a belt driven one. Have removed the heater this weekend with the view of fitting an under dash evaporator unit in its place.
Looking to get a used front valance to cut a section out of to accomodate a 12cm deep combined condenser/dryer/fan in front of the radiator.
Thought about electric cooling fan and water pump but decide to use the viscous fan (acquired in 1980) which has been out of the car for some time getting the water pump reconditioned right now.
 
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Mike, you'll need to upgrade your alternator...

Mark, The diff on the P6 is actually a part of the suspension system. I recomend looking at Cobraboy's diff replacement series of a few years ago.
Fortunately the price of batteries is now falling to somewhere a bit above sensible. Battery cost is a large proportion of the total cost. Note also that most electric cars run an 'air conditioning' system full time 24/7 to keep the batteries cool with associated electronics and sensors. might be worthwhile buying a wreck and working from there rather than designing it all piecemeal, part by part.
 
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can't see point myself but each to own. much like having asthma train internally converted to diesel /electric .sort of defeats whole point of having an historic car . can't see many (any?) vintage cars that do London to Brighton run converting to EV either. then theres DVLA etc as changing power drive is a significant conversion and will lose that status of history car identity. so tax probably then payable or even a 'q' plate . again each to own it is after all car. personally if I want to view or have an interest in an classic /historic vehicle its about what it was built as as left factory though accept engine changes .wheels etc were in fact swapped in the days they were being built! eg Ford Cortina engines swapped for bigger ones. though point again is they were swapped for period power units . can't see anybody really interested in an EV 'classic 'car etc though ideal for cities ? bound to be a handful whom do enjoy idea EV classic cars as wanting to have outside 'show' effect old cars get but have the low maintenance and politically correct transport at same time. deep pockets needed for EV's . plus public slowly becoming aware EV's are not in reality saving planet or actually pollution /carbon free. whole range of debates there .anyway do enjoy your project ,bound to be some whom applaud it. Hoep it works out well for you. just not my interest.
 
I did wonder about DVLA as well but I think the OP is based 'down under', so different rules (well, unless all of our UK world-leading policies [so we're told] are now being adopted worldwide). Having said that, I thought OZ was quite strict on changes but possibly varies according to which state it is?
 
Thanks Tonys I think they probably are strict. Needs to pass an assessment by an independent engineer before it can get registered. Conversions are happening but numbers are small.

Fair points classicalgreen. I have had moments of doubt. I have just driven it from Melbourne to Sydney for the EV garage to take a look at it and make some measurements. The trip has definitely been an adventure. We made it with plenty of stops and a little help along the way (and a small incident involving bumper bars). See pics below.
Heading back to Melbourne. Stopped outside of Gundagai to cool down and top up coolant.
 

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can't see point myself but each to own. much like having asthma train internally converted to diesel /electric .sort of defeats whole point of having an historic car . can't see many (any?) vintage cars that do London to Brighton run converting to EV either. then theres DVLA etc as changing power drive is a significant conversion and will lose that status of history car identity. so tax probably then payable or even a 'q' plate . again each to own it is after all car. personally if I want to view or have an interest in an classic /historic vehicle its about what it was built as as left factory though accept engine changes .wheels etc were in fact swapped in the days they were being built! eg Ford Cortina engines swapped for bigger ones. though point again is they were swapped for period power units . can't see anybody really interested in an EV 'classic 'car etc though ideal for cities ? bound to be a handful whom do enjoy idea EV classic cars as wanting to have outside 'show' effect old cars get but have the low maintenance and politically correct transport at same time. deep pockets needed for EV's . plus public slowly becoming aware EV's are not in reality saving planet or actually pollution /carbon free. whole range of debates there .anyway do enjoy your project ,bound to be some whom applaud it. Hoep it works out well for you. just not my interest.
Exactly my contention. Classic cars are a lot of dated technologies and compromise BESIDES the power plant. I know there's a whole cottage industry doing this now, but I always wonder what the end product is supposed to be.
 
I am 'down under' as mentioned above, and reliably informed that changing a gearbox requires an engineer to inspect and sign off. If you dont tell anybody I have an LT77, neither will I.
 
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