Mr.G's Workshop

Why is this important?

If you want to convert your car from gas to electric, you definitely need to take this class. It is a crash course in the fundamentals of vehicle conversion.

Taking this class will teach you what you need to know to understand the inner workings of the modern electric car. This will empower you to make purchasing and investing decisions.

In this class, you will learn the theoretical and practical applications of electric vehicle conversion. From skateboards to road vehicles.

This workshop is an overview of the entire conversion process and will offer hands-on access to an electric vintage Vespa scooter, off-grid-charged Tesla, electric outboard boat motors, battery packs, and all of the equipment that goes into a solar electric house.

Part 1: Meters, Circuits, Batteries and Magnets

We will start out by learning the basics of using the Multimeter. If you have experience with this, it will be a good overview as we get to Part 2. The multimeter is the essential tool you will need to diagnose your electric vehicle.  For instance we will cover the difference between volts, amps, Ohms and Watts.  Next we'll make some experiments including batteries, electro magnets and basic if/then circuitry using a relays.  These are the building blocks of an electric vehicle.

Part 2: Making Electric Vehicles

Using a scale model, you will assemble everything including the battery pack, speed controller and motor mounts.  To make it interesting for those who have some experience, the goal is to build a competitive scale model.  When you're done building, we're going to race it against other students.  A fun way to test out your circuitry.

Part 3: Full-size Vehicle 

Next, we will see how these elements and circuits apply to full-size vehicles.  On a benchtop, we will have a full sized motor attached to transmission via adapter plate and coupler.  Driving the motor will be a speed controller and battery pack. 

Part 4: Your Own Build

Next, we will go over what it takes to build your own vehicle. Planning and sourcing. Covering topics that will include finding suppliers and how to size your drivetrain.