POWERING MY DIY ELECTRIC MINI COOPER ON A BUDGET

EV Channels Review

This video details the ongoing DIY electric conversion of a budget Mini Cooper, focusing heavily on the critical and often complex process of battery selection. The host explores various salvaged battery options, including those from Zero motorcycles, CALB, Nissan Leaf, and Tesla, ultimately deeming them too expensive or unsuitable for the project's budget constraints. The chosen solution involves two salvaged Chevy Volt battery packs, praised for their form factor, affordability (around $500 each), and integrated BMS connectors, which significantly simplify installation. The video also touches upon the challenges of integrating charging infrastructure and the DC-to-DC converter. A significant portion is dedicated to troubleshooting the Zilla controller, initially plagued by an 'open pot wire' error, which is eventually resolved by ensuring all connections are fully seated. While the project faces budget and technical hurdles, the host expresses optimism about the progress and readiness for further updates.