Motor bay
The front motor bay of the electric Sonett holds 18 lithium battery cells on either side of the AC50 electric motor. The large aluminium plate helps cool the motor controller; a fan is mounted underneath.
The electrical system runs at three separate voltage levels - 130, 12, and 5 volts – with the high voltage circuit used for propulsion. Special instrumentation monitors battery pack voltage and amp-hour capacity.
Sonett electric motor bay (front body shell removed)
- Wiper motor
- Brake fluid remote reservoir
- Contactor (large 24v relay)
- Terminal bar for battery pack positive end
- Driver side front battery pack (9 cells)
- AC 50 electric motor
- Passenger side battery pack (9 cells)
- Motor controller
- Windshield washer remote reservoir
The Vehicles
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 prismatic 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 accommodate 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.