Doran EV 1900's

[Nartty]

Hey I've been considering getting a small EV commuter. My daily commute is 12miles average.The problem is I don't have much money. What do you guys think about the 1990's Doran EV? Would you guys buy it for 5,500?
http://www.evalbum.com/559

 

[Dauntless]

Is there one for sale that you know of? Is it that green one, or is it the red one? Only two known built. I don't believe they sell the plans or the shell anymore.

Basically I'm not sure you'll be able to find one, if you do and have problems, good luck.

http://www.doranengineeringlabs.com/support/

 

[Nartty]

Yes, the blue/green one!
I'm considering buying it. Maybe upgrading to lithium if I save up enough... eventually
The thing is, it's not really weather proof and it gets 20-30 miles & 10 on highway apparently(word from current owner).
Really, I'm hoping the existing set up could hold me for a year or 2 until I can upgrade to lithium.

Batteries: 13 Greensaver SP68s, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Gel
Motor: Azure Dynamics/Solectria AC24 3-Phase AC
Drivetrain: Solectria Gearbox
Controller:Azure Dynamics/Solectria DMOC445

Does anybody have any experience with these the Solectria components? Opinions?

Thanks Dauntless btw

 

[edcastrovalley]

I can't recommend these enough! Fun as hell to drive. (I know, I have one). Plus it's a modern manufactured vehicle with air bags, ac, power windows, power steering, power brakes, power mirrors, power locks and it pulls away smartly from stoplights leaving other cars behind. If you like the Doran EV you'll love the i-miev.

Where do you live anyway? This one is in Southern California.
Much of this car will still be under the original Manufacturer warranty depending when it was first sold. My 2012 i-miev has its full warranty until next January but the battery is warranted for 10 years!

 

[Punx0r]

A early-model Nissan Leaf might be in your price range?

 

[Dauntless]

I second the motion on the Mitsubishi. 30 years later not only is the technology further developed, it's a fully finished car. Waterproof, etc. I couldn't guess if the Doran will be a part of history or not, collectability is up in the air. That blue/green one used to be in a museum or some collection, (Don't 'zacktly remember) it seems to have bounced around since it went back into circulation. It was for sale in Chicago more than 2 years ago for $7,500.

http://motorcycles.smartcarguide.com/listing/49793621/

Maybe there's a third Doran. http://www.evalbum.com/243

 

[edcastrovalley]

Anyone here happened to get the i-miev above? It disappeared over the weekend. The ad was on autotrader dot com.

 

[Dauntless]

Sold?

 

[edcastrovalley]

Sold?

I think so. I was checking Monday for any more "deals" and it's no longer listed. The next best deal is $6588 back East somewhere (Lewisville Mitsubishi). 8)