It is no longer a dream to have an electric car with over 100-mile range on a single charge. Elite Power Solutions in Phoenix and Electric Blue in Flagstaff have partnered to produce an electric car that completed a 137-mile journey from Flagstaff to Phoenix on one single charge. This achievement is a major milestone that could redefine the automotive industry. Now one can have a practical commuter car that doesn't consume a single drop of gasoline.

The picture above shows a 1997 Mazda Miata converted to a full electric vehicle. It is powered with 44 x 200 amp-hour size Li-ion batteries. The total energy stored in the battery pack after a full charge is 28.2 KWh, which is the key to reaching the new milestone. These unique large format Li-ion batteries are most suitable for electric cars and motorcycles. These 44 Li-ion battery cells are continuously monitored by a battery management system (BMS) during driving and charging processes to ensure proper performance and battery lifetime. In contrast, Tesla electric sports car uses 6800 laptop size Li-ion batteries which creates challenges of maintaining every single Li-ion battery cell in proper working conditions.

The conversion project was initiated by Elite Power Solutions which is a leading supplier of specializes Li-ion batteries for electric vehicle market, and successfully executed by Electric Blue which specializes in EV conversion. The combustion engine, fueling, cooling and ignition systems were replaced by an Advanced D.C. 9" motor and a Curtis Motor Controller, which provide fast acceleration as its original version and propel the car easily reaching top speed around 80 mph. The 44 Li-ion batteries are distributed in 3 locations, under the hood, behind seats and under the trunk floor. There is an on-board charger installed in the trunk, which accepts 220V and 110V inputs. The power cord plugs into the adaptor under the original gas cap. A full charge using 220V input takes about 8 hours, which is ideal for overnight charging after a daily commute. Its 110V input provides the convenience of recharging the car when at work or at a friend's house.

Development of electric car is extremely important to battling global energy crisis and global warming. The energy efficiency of an electric motor is far more superior (~90%) than that of a combustion engine (20%). At gasoline price of $2.00 per gallon, the cost of energy consumption of an electric car is estimated to be only 10% of gasoline cost. The gap in energy cost will only widen when the fuel cost continues to rise. With mass production, this type of electric vehicle will be affordable to the general public. The success of this conversion project opens a new chapter in the automotive industry. It brings us more hope that we will become much less dependent on foreign oil and will position us to win the battle against global warming.