We are excited to share a complete update of the 1969 Autobianchi Bianchina project. This post is an overview of how Midwest EV processed one of our very first EV Conversions.
Underneath, this project car was taken from a 500 CC Fiat Engine to a now HPEVS AC-20 motor paired with a Curtis 1238/SE controller, powered by 3 Tesla Model S modules each with 5.3 Kilowatt hours (KWH). The motor was sourced from Thunderstruck Motors, utilizing their DC-DC converter, on-board charger, and dilithium battery management system (BMS). We used the factory manual transmission with an adaptor plate and kept the flywheel and clutch for ease of shifting. The purpose of the Autobianchi conversion was to make it an even better city cruiser, and we couldn’t be happier with the results.
First off Drew Bartel, our EV technician, started removing components that would not be used on the car, like the engine and the fuel tank. Then he created a list of electric components he needed to order. From there, as new electric components came in, Drew laid out each part and mapped where components would fit most efficiently for ease of wiring.
If you haven’t seen an Autobianchi before, these cars are quite small. One of the challenges Drew faced was ensuring the configuration of all the electric components due to the lack of space in the vehicle. He also wanted to be sure the placement of visible components was aesthetically pleasing for the client.
One thing that worked in his favor though was the fact that our sister company, Motion Products, Inc., restored the vehicle prior to the start of the conversion. During the restoration process, they had taken out the original back seats at the customer’s request. This allowed Drew to place 2 of the 3 Tesla modules and the MCU for the battery management system where the original back seats were. As far as body modifications, there were only minor modifications that needed to be done to the rear bumper cover. The spot welds for the original motor mount were drilled out and the bottom seam needed to be shaved down in the center a quarter inch by 6 inches long giving the motor better clearance.
All in all, the Autobianchi EV conversion project was a huge success. The 3 Tesla Model S modules range about 75 miles which isn’t much less than the vehicle could do from the factory. The biggest difference with the Autobianchi now is that this car has a lot more power, less items to maintain, and is cheaper to operate. We are so thankful our clients gave us the opportunity of the truly unique classic EV conversion project!
Midwest EV 