Gav's EV Conversion - 24 - The Grand Finale

[ogatobranco]

In my country that car would not fail inspection (a bit of rust?... my 15 year old car that spent 5 years near coast with salty winds has rusted quite a bit and inspectors not even look at it), brakes, handling, leaks, visibility issues, modified parts (EV mod would make it fail though) and pollution.

EV mod certification would require a load of tests and money (requiring a lot more money than a brand new car costs). That's why there are no converted cars around here, legislation is lacking.

[ImYourLastResort]

Pity I am in Oz, i would have been interested in the purchase :)

Any news on the "heart transplant" ie the success of the kiwi EV1 parts in the hands of its new owners?

[advthinker]

Time,s are hard, and thats true for every one now! so that means the electric car is once again dead. am sure that will make the people in sand land very happy, but on the other hand there is not enought copper on the planet for every one to have a electric car any way so dont feel bad.

[badlittlemonkey73]

Hi ya WOW sorry to see ya EV failed it's WOF what a bummer. Well I'm looking forward to KiwiEV 2 keep up the good work.

Just some little ideas to look into if you pop into your local hardware or paint shop and ask them about fish oil. lol I'm not talking about the stuff you take ether it's a kind of stuff that helps prevent rust, Wattyl paints makes a good one.

Lastly because of the location of where you live you might want to thinking about sea spray.

long live KiwiEV 2

[steamy1225]

Hi I cant believe that the little rust holes you had on the car made it fail. You should see the rust my 92 Geo Prizm has. and i have no problem driving it on the roads. I guess USA is a lot more free than other places in the world. Any way i'm sorry that the ev is dead again. Should have staid in the house that you made the conversion . it had a garage. About being broke and no money , welcome to the club. same thing happent to me ,bought a house and now have more bills than income.

[PS3DUDE290]

sorry mate

[ImYourLastResort]

Aww, wish I could have bought it.... ;)

[ccoasterdesigner]

HAHA! Loved the accent. Very...hick.

[averatec6]

yeah..internet is EVERYBODY im afraid!

hmm..thats a heck of alot car parts to convert to electric

[CoolBigWillieStyles]

sounds like his woman got cranky.

[HackingPrius]

oh man, damn. you'll be aaight. I'll be watching lots of your videos and thinking of ways to help. the low times just make the next high time that much better. Cheers mate.

[digitsync2]

He has DVD on sale at his website. For $15 it is a cheap education!

For those who like to do the conversion, this DVD is a valuable resource and cheap insurance for the mistakes you'll make.

[slh950]

I reckon its more like u lost interest! : )

It was too big a car so with the rust why didn't you find a smaller daihatsu et al with a blown motor? The car body was the cheapest part!

[banger220]

sorry to hear you have had to do this as you have inspired me to start my own project.

[fr3style]

Hey mr Kiwi.. Why dont u open a paypal donation page. Your videos have encouraged me to make my own ev car.

I owe it to ya man!

[AndyRoflz]

That's so sad. Your videos have been very inspiring. Hope you get to do it again.

[inirapsag1]

gha im sorry to hear it ended like this, but you have spawned so many projects im sure and like you i dont have the money but it would be great to do an EV conversion one day, you showed it was possible.. best of luck in the future dude!

[faultlessheavystarch]

Sad news, but you can sleep well at night knowing you have spawned countless other EV projects across the globe! I look forward to your future projects, and understand about the cash flow problem- it halted the WVO conversion to my Dodge Ram.

[stugbroon16]

aw thats sad about ur car it was really good too mate. u should have left all the parts intact and u may have got more money for it. anyway hope all goes well for you ..

u myt see the car again some day....

[MPaulHolmes]

I converted my car to electric, and went on to make my own open source 144v 500amp cheap motor controller because of your inspiration. If you ever want one of those controllers once the beta testing is done, you can have one for the cost of parts, which is around $300-350 U.S. Check out the project here:

ecomodder(dot)com. It's right on the front page, and you were my motivation! Thank you!!!

[MrWombatPPC]

Damn thats soo sad mate. Cant wait to see the MRK2 vids. :-) As for Lack of money. I hear you on that mate BIGTIME.!

[Oscar1466]

Hi, feel sorry that your EV failed you man. Why didn't you start some kind of EV charity support, where people may donate some coins to help you keep up with everything. I and some other guys out there would have maybe donated something. You inspired many guys to convert their cars to electric.

I am planning to convert mine too. I am still saving some cash.

The government should be helping too, but it seems they are not interested. Good luck mate hope to hear from you again.

[UTubeGlennAR]

As a sincere north American-I truly apologize 4 the economic situation of your country/the world that seemed to have start in my country by a large hand full of greedy & selfish Americans

Suggest U consider waiting till the energy density of your electron storage device grows considerably n drastically decreases in price B 4 U start your next EV project.

Sad to say, still seems EV are only best for the people that have a decent amount of extra cash, even if it only costs pennies to re charge.

[cant7think7clearly]

You're right, I'm going to use LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batts in KiwiEV 2 for sure. Lead's just too heavy and messy for me. Thundersky batteries are falling in price every time I look at them.

Don't worry folks, it's not the end! All is not lost!

[Oscar1466]

Hey mate, where are you now. Is been a long time not hearing from you. Come on say something.

[cant7think7clearly]

You'll have to wait two months. But that's just between you, me, and the internet. ;)

[Showpro1]

Gav; At some point during your vids, or in your responses to comments, you mentioned a book that you had studied before tackling the EV conversion. I've tried real hard to find that info again, but no luck. Please tell me I wasn't just imagining it. Thanks, mate! Showpro1

[cant7think7clearly]

Hey mate - it was called Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant. I gave my copy to my local library a year ago but it's still not on the shelf. I reckon the library staff took it home. :(

[RocketMaker10000]

Gav, you should start an EV conversion business in NZ. You have experience and can make conversions a way of life over in NZ. TransAtlanticElectricConversio­ns is up and running in NJ. We are Netgain Motor dealers and can set up Hybrids. Get back to me if you are interested in setting up your own shop.

[lifeinhd]

So how're you getting around now? I hope you didn't have to give in and get a gasser. Either way, best of luck.

-Scott

[thoughtchallenge]

Keep making videos and website postings and maybe they'll take you into the you tube partnership program. You are like a spokesperson for EVs now.

Good Luck Gav!

[c0alminer]

Hey Gav, Glad to have known you on you tube! I watched you from the start of your project, and now, sadley, the end of it. Your obviously a keener, so I can't wait for your next project. Chin up mate! We're all routing for you! Cheers!

Tim, Alberta, Canada

[CzechEVclub]

Hi Gav, when glancing in the rear view mirror about your EV conversion (and your empty stomach today), I feel almost guilty now as I pushed the relatively expensive german heavy duty connectors for your multicharger setup. Looking forward to your next conversion, I know there will be another one someday.."

[ForkenSwiftDotCom]

Gav! Bummer on one hand, but on the other, glad that you turned around a quick sale of the components.

Echoing a previous commenter:

"The Kiwi EV is dead. Long live the Kiwi EV YouTube videos!" (Which will continue to inspire people regardless of the car's ultimate fate).

Darin

[cant7think7clearly]

Thanks Darin! I mentioned your car on today's evcast [evcast(dot)com] and everyone was impressed. You're famous mate!

[Oikid07]

i cant believe your selling your car, Gav. lol i cant believe you tried to talk like an american Gav. lol by the way nice try. it seems like only a short while ago you were taking out the ICE and now its come to this..very sad. But you have to do what you have to do, i hope this isnt the last coversion you do. good luck in the future and R.I.P KIWI EV!!!

[tourlounge]

Gav sorry to here your news. You should build a website on the subject with your knowledge and experience and monetize with Google ads and other streams of revenue that your website could produce. The website would pay for itself and your EV.

Lots of people are, and Google is not going broke!

Good luck

Marcel

[Wragie]

Very sorry to see this episode Gav. Let the dust settle get everything sorted out and happy and then start again.

I'll keep watching for your vids when you do that ;-]

[reubenbridges]

All That hard work, I hope the next person recognize what he or she is getting. The love that went in to that car. And I'm still going to build my own and document it. Good luck with your next car.

[discotec]

Sorry to end that its the end for your EV, If I had the money, I would buy your parts. Hope you land back on your feet and make another EV :)

[rdavidmarsh]

Sorry to see the car go Gav, but I understand. You've inspired many others to give it a go, one day I hope to try myself.

[sockosockosocko]

didn't see any rust. big oil execs got to you?

[sockosockosocko]

early april fools  ... haha i get it. good one! almost had me there....

[MichaelPresents]

So sorry to hear about your spot of bad luck. My wife and I have followed your electric endeavors in Canada and have been itching to begin our own conversion as soon as possible. Thank you for providing us with hours of inspiration. We look forward to the Kiwi EV2. Best of luck.

Michael & Jane Robinson

[mirezwer]

hey, I'd buy this from you if I was in NZ...

can you make a list with the parts and places where they can be bought?

[jmoyet]

damn that sucks! you put a lot of work into that car and a lot of money and time. Sad to see the Tredia go.

[anthonycut]

Any chance of you making another one and trying to make a profit?

Just think of how many minds you got thinking!

I wish you the best

[classicczech]

Damn, this is sad to hear. After all you've accomplished. I have deep respect that you stay so calm in this situation (I for sure would not!). I sure hope you and Veronica get back on your feet soon.

[GegoXaren]

RIP Kiwi EV....

THE KIWI EV IS DEAD -- LONG LIVE THE KIWI EV!

Sorry to hear that mon, hope you get back on your "feet" soon..

[Odziz]

You should compile all the videos on to DVD and sell it.

I'd buy one.

It would be a great promotion tool for the EV movement 'One Car at a Time'

Awesome video series, a true inspiration.

Its what YouTube is all about!

[GegoXaren]

amen to that!

[lpgas1]

hey mate! hey had dvd's of it all for sale on his web site! check it out!

cheers

[BungaEBiker]

oh Gcv I'm so sorry. Wish I could help but I'm in the same boat ma man. I Hope some one buy's it soon. Well you are a pioneer and The next one will be even better. The end of an era, (virtual hug of condolence). How about an electric vespa with a side car or an electric velomobile, you can get a velombile and put an electric motor in it and its the same as a bicycle (well it is here in Canada) Best of luck and keep us up on all the news.

[SirTragain]

Hey Gav, I think your next move is to write a book on EV converting which includes your DVD.

DanP

[lpgas1]

awesome videos mate. its sad to see the end, bit like the ev1 i guess. but hey think of all the other people you have inspired. including myself. i have driven 1000 trouble free k's now, to and from work and my little barina has never missed a beat. if i get over to the land of the long white cloud i'll shout you and the misses a meal at macca's! haha! good luck for the future mate and dont forget to keep us posted if you start another car project!

[jmaros15]

Sorry to hear the bad news Gav, i've really enjoyed watching your educational EV videos.

Well i can only hope ya still got a job bro?

All the best to you and Veronika, hope to hear from you soon in the not to distant future.

Cheers.

[ajloder10]

Sorry to hear about the Tredia's problems and your need to part with it. That car must have meant a lot to you. I just wanted to let you know that you inspired me to build my own electric car about 7 months ago and your videos were the biggest help that I could find anywhere online! Hope that things get better, but we're all pulling for you!

[cant7think7clearly]

And apologies to you all for being an unshaven mess as people are pointing out in the emails...

[hobbes32]

Sorry to hear about the Tredia!  What car is the buyer converting?

[cant7think7clearly]

Yeah, but one door closes, another one opens. s long as the door that's opening isn't jammed. Or locked. Hehehe

He's about to start converting a BMW but at this stage I'm not sure what model. If he's keen I'll post a link to his conversion site (if he has one).

[kylehondarider]

Wow Gav. Man, that's some rough stuff. It's terrible you had to get rid of all those goods and everything. If it makes you feel any better, you've inspired thousands of viewers, and I know a good part of them (including myself) have converted their own EV's. I thank you for all the help you've given me and other converters. The Daytona is nearly finished thanks to you and a few others. You're a great guy, Gav. I wish you the best.

Kyle

[Showpro1]

Gav; So sorry to learn of the necessity of the sale. Your vids have been inspiring as well as educational and entertaining. I KNOW that sometime soon you'll be starting a more ambitious project, probably, as you mentioned, with Li ion batts. Best wishes to you and Veronika from all your friends and admirers in the U.S.A Showpro1

[cant7think7clearly]

Thanks mate! I've still got "EV Fever" and I know I'll own another one in the future.

[caa1000]

One thing Gavin, do you still have the gas money you have been saving in a jar? I guess you may have used already, but the economy is so darn bad. Good luck!

[cant7think7clearly]

Yup, we saved it up and resisted spending it and we're FINALLY going on our honeymoon in June thanks to the electric car's gas savings!

[edda520]

Years ago, I had to surrender a '72 Karmann Ghia convertible because it wouldn't pass safety inspection. Rust got to it pretty bad. Sorry the same thing happened to your electric car project. I hope you manage to do another one sometime soon. Really enjoyed watching it come together.

[0urGaia]

Congrats on selling. The economy is taking a toll of lot of people, keep us informed on how you going.

[caa1000]

..............................­......! I'm speechless after watching that video!  All your hard work gone to waste in a bad economy! Thank you Bernard "Ponzi" Madoff for making our lives miserable!

[JesusIsMyHomeDogg]

All good things must come to an end. But hey! look at the bright side, now you have clean slate and a solid foundation of knowledge that can be applied to future conversions, which are pretty much priceless!

Looking forward to the videos that will come.

Wish you luck!

Chris

[deloreanowner]

good you got the parts sold and you can support yourself. Sorry to hear you gotta sell the EV and go back to..GRRRR GAS