The logic of reversible electrification (naivety even of an electrician ;-)

My 1933 RP version of the world famous Austin 7 (I think) is perfect for ‘electrification’.  The original 1933 engine has at some time in its life been changed for a 1937 three bearing more ‘modern’ 750cc engine – probably from a Ruby.

This would also lean towards accommodating a matching 4 speed gearbox with synchro’ and a forward facing starter. In 1933, the norm’ probably would be a two bearing crank engine and a three speed crash-gate gearbox with a starter mounted into the cab’

The current state of the 750cc, 7hp engine is “healthy” having been checked out by my friends before purchase. However with a “clutch problem” it will have to come out and be repaired.  Rated at just 10 brake HP at 2400 rpm    [I think] a 10 – 15 HP DC electric motor fitted right onto the flange of the ‘T’ rear axle would be a sound option. 
So, assuming the said electric motor can be accommodated and fitted right onto the flange replacing the prop shaft, this leaves all the power train and accessories to be removed, along with the prop’ shaft, silencer, petrol tank, radiator, old battery and old electrics.

Remember – I am NOT destroying any option to completely re-install all the removed original engine and drive components. However, I would like to justify the reasoning behind the idea of 100% electric drive.

• The existing 1937 Ruby engine and gearbox is not original
• The ‘spit & hope’ 2 psi oil lubrication of the A7 engine is horrible.
• The carburettor leaves a lot to be desired
• The simple dynamics of the engines power is crude technology
• Starting when cold either by crank or electric is troublesome
• Engine timing and converting to modern contactless spark is weird.
• Engine cooling is un-pumped and prone to leaks
• Despite a hot engine, no heater is fitted.
• The gearbox is just-about synchro’
• The clutch is single plate, vicious and hard for ‘girls’
• 6 volt electrics leave a lot to be desired
• 6 volt filament lamps are inefficient
• A 6 volt dynamo is part of the engine running gear
• The top speed of the car is only around 55 mph
• The 10 BHP is abysmal in the shadow of todays high-tech engines.
• The range on a full tank of 5 gallons is only around 175 miles
• The renovation costs of the existing power train could be expensive.
• Narrow 19″ tyres work well with a lower drag factor.
• The leaking sliding roof-well could accommodate solar panels***
• The small period dashboard could be exchanged for relevant meters

Electrics……….. (I’m not looking for 0 – 60 in 3 seconds!!!!!)

The advancement of modern high power magnets and DC motors is a solution looking for a problem to solve.  One single compact 10 – 15 hp reversible motor on the prop shaft is almost a perfect marriage (to be researched**).

Removing the total weight of the engine, gearbox, silencer, prop’, radiator, petrol tank and 6 volt battery.  Removing all that gear also leaves space for (perhaps) 2 stage batteries [Ni-MH along with Deep Cycle traction batteries????].  Only requiring 10 -15 hp offers good efficiency, reasonable range and reasonable charging.  Converting to 12 volt nominal offers efficient lights, power and perhaps heating, along with SOLAR charging from panels on the roof***

The existing brakes could well be assisted by reverse power capture (in some way?) from the hard connection to the prop’s axle shaft rotation.  The existing accelerator pedal can be accommodated along with the steering two levers for adjustments of various elements. NB : The steering wheel throttle, could be used as ‘Hand Controls’

Could you tell if this car was electric??

With all the running gear and ancillaries removed, surely renovating the remaining shell is easier??

If outwardly the car LOOKS original and that it could be reversed, has a monstrous crime been committed??

If the car can be charged (as most all-electric cars can) overnight and the range is around (say) 175 miles, could it not be perceived as an improvement on diminishing and becoming expensive petrol and also better for the environment. It would be quieter, easier to accommodate LED lights, easier to hide MODERN signalling, simpler to maintain – perhaps MORE valuable.

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