Component placement
The lithium 356 requires careful placement of a number of critical components, including the front and rear battery packs, charger, and motor controller.
Front and rear battery packs, charger, and controller shown with high amp cable connections
Design considerations include weight balance, access for future maintenance, and efficient cable connections. The high amperage - up to 550 amps - requires large diameter welding cable, and efficient layout is achieved with the shortest possible cable lengths.
The front battery box rests inside the original spare tire hold. Some modification of the hold is necessary in order to fit 16 lithium cells. Rear battery boxes straddle the motor, 10 cells on each side.
The Cars
Porsche 356 Speedster
The iconic Porsche Speedster proved to be an excellent EV conversion candidate due to its low weight, relatively simple design, and ample front/rear compartments for mounting pristmatic lithium battery cells. Weight distribution was improved over the original rear engine configuration with better acceleration and overall performance.
Saab Sonett
The unusual fiberglass Sonett, originally powered by a Ford V4 engine, combines a low center of gravity and front wheel drive, optimal for our high performance EV conversion. Without the need to accomodate a long drive train, the space behind the two seats was used for additional batteries. The original four-speed transmission remains intact along with the braking system.