Electrifying Porsche

July 26, 2007
Why would anyone in their right mind convert a sleek Porsche 914 into an electric vehicle?

Well, a team of students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology did precisely that to demonstrate advanced electric-vehicle technology.

The project should also yield information on advanced batteries. Specifically, the team from MIT's Electrochemical Energy Laboratory plan to measure the conditions batteries encounter inside an operating vehicle.

The student project took off a year ago when Valence Technology Inc. agreed to donate 18 high-tech rechargeable batteries and a battery-management system. The lithiumphosphate rechargeable batteries are lighter, longer lasting, and fast charging.

The students replaced the original engine with an electric motor, 12 batteries and battery-management system, various electronics, and a controller. The team estimates the car will produce 50 to 60 hp, giving it a top speed of 70 to 100 mph. Plugging it into a wall socket should fully recharge the batteries in 4 to 5 hr, and the car should go 100 miles or more before recharging.

Sponsored Recommendations

Aug. 22, 2025
Discover how to meet growing customer demands for custom products without overextending your engineering team. Learn how scaling your automation strategy can help you win more...
Aug. 22, 2025
Join industry leaders to explore how cutting edge digital technologies are transforming factories. Learn how to boost throughput, enhance flexibility, and accelerate your digital...
Aug. 22, 2025
Explore the future of manufacturing. Learn how to leverage the latest digital technologies and strategies to build a more efficient, agile, and resilient digital factory.
Aug. 21, 2025
A look into the latest improvements in motion control through high-performance drives, AI enhancements, and faster communication protocols.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!