DeLorean Electric Car Conversion: Behind The Build
The DeLorean time machine requires 1.21 gigawatts of power to initiate time travel.
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A lot has changed since Back To The Future was released in 1985. During these last 3.5 decades, we’ve seen a plethora of hybrid and electric cars enter the market - from the practical Toyota Prius to the industry disrupting Tesla. The EV revolution has also inadvertently led to a new era in DIY electric cars. With more electric cars on the road, Motors, inverters and battery cells, which used to be hard to come by, are now readily available on the after market.
John DeLorean’s DMC-12 - the car we all know and love as Doc and Marty’s Back to the Future Car was meant to be the definitive sports car of the 1980’s. The gull-wing doors and stainless steel exterior made it a unique curiosity for car enthusiasts. However, there was one big problem with the DMC-12, its small 6 cylinder engine put out a feeble 130 hp. But for one special DeLorean, a Buick Grand National Engine swap created, what was referred to as, the world’s fastest DeLorean. The turbocharged 4.3 liter v6 was tuned to 570 horsepower.
Jacob Graham and his weekend maker pal Jim Belosic purchased the DeLorean with restoration in mind. They had completed other notable projects like a steam powered car, right up the alley of Jay Leno, and a motorcycle-trike conversion.
Jacob and Jim now turned their focus to electric vehicle technology. Jim had successfully installed a Tesla motor in a 1981 Honda Accord he calls the Teslonda, and not to be outdone, Jacob was looking to make an electric car of his own. Jacob got his hands on a Nissan Leaf motor and inverter - the component that converts DC power from the batteries into alternating current for the motor.
Jacob decided to convert the DeLorean car to electric. The EV conversion project required many custom-cut metal parts. Jacob created mock pieces out of cardboard. He used AutoCAD software to design each piece and sent the designs off to SendCutSend a laser cutting company in Reno, NV. He cut housing to fit the 48 battery modules - 24 up front and 24 in the back. Salvaged from a 2012 Nissan leaf 24 kWh battery pack. Incredibly, the converted electric DeLorean is 256 lbs lighter than the original factory version, and has better weight distribution which improves handling, acceleration, and traction.
Jacob built the 300kw inverter from scratch for his DIY electric car. He found a good inverter power stage design from seasoned EV conversion guru Arlin Sansome, who’s famous for his electrified 1988 Honda CRX.
This car wouldn’t be complete without a futuristic dashboard. Unable to find an android application with the features and customizability he wanted, Jacob coded one himself. Running on an android head unit from Joying, it displays IGBT temps, calculated phase amps, field weakening current, max phase current, dc to dc voltage, amps, and temperature. To get the data from the inverter and converter he made a special arduino project. The android device communicates with an arduino microcontroller over USB. The arduino is a small open source computer on a single circuit chip that takes the data, and reformats it so it can be read by the Android app.
00:00 DeLorean DMC-12
3:00 EV Conversion
4:54 DIY Inverter
5:50 Arduino Project
This wasn’t an easy build by any means, but with continued innovation in the field of electric vehicles, and higher EV adoption rates, EV conversions will start to become better understood and easier for hobbyists to take on. Just look at this incredible project we covered in a previous video, from a young engineering student in Vietnam, who turned his electric dreams into reality and built a stunning and functional electric motorcycle from scratch. • DIY Electric Motorcycl...
John DeLorean was certainly ahead of his time when conceptualizing the DMC-12. It seems fitting his “sports car of the future” has stuck around long enough to be reborn as an electric car.
Gentle kisses on both cheeks European style:
Jacob Graham
SendCutSend sendcutsend.com/
Jim Belosic / @jimmybuilt
Arlin Sansome / garbizwal
The Drive www.thedrive.com/
Article: www.electricfuture.com/delore...
Really impressive. Built the circuit boards, coded his own software for the console, hardwired and soldered everything together. It's pretty much like building an electric car from scratch. Crazy! Wish DeLorean would mass produce EVs some day. My dream car.
Actually they did, since back in 2013 ( I believe) When they’ve Done a espectacular Job with them and especially with a Super Charged one ( That on Which I love) .
@@1ivannthegreat Yeah I've been following that on the DMC site (or whatever site it was). But I haven't actually seen them produce EV Deloreans aside for maybe a few for like $100,000. As far as I'm aware, DMC has a warehouse in Texas and is aiming to piece together parts to recreate original Deloreans.
Aiming? Im confused. When did you stop being able to get a new one made?
@@AndrewCortesi I think they started actually releasing them in 2017 (I think they started taking pre-orders in 2013 or 14), but from what I have seen, there were tons of parts still in warehouses from the original bankrupt company stock, and somebody (or group of people) basically resurrected the company to a degree by buying those part stocks up and start once again manufacturing, while also upgrading some key areas for the major faults that new technology and manufacturing processes allowed for them to correct within reason. For instance, the original chassis coating meant to prevent rust was known to crack over time and allow rusting, so they reconditioned the original ones with a new coating to prevent these issues. I'm assuming they have corrected some of the major issues with their engine as well, but it sure seems like they are way faster with an EV setup than they ever could have been with the original engine design. But essentially you can buy a newly manufactured car from DMC and they have a website (at least they did last time I checked).
Unfortunately there's a torsion bar used in the gullwing doors that cannot be manufactured anymore, used a freeze drying process (from memory) during the casting stage and there are no facilities that have that technology anymore. Might be a bit off on the technicals but have a google and you'll see.
This is how delorean can make a comeback, seriously.
And Avanti.
And the model T, Seriously...🤣😂
Actually they did , since I’ve told this other guy that they’ve came out with one back in what?, 2013 ( I think, I’m not sure what year they came out with the Electric one) .
@@1ivannthegreat link?
DMC in Humble , TX: “Been there already.”
The weirdest thing is, that the delorean doesn't feel outdated. It's design has stood the test of time. Amazing car. Hope to have one someday...
Electrifying a Delorean makes the most sense. Love this
Totally agree.
By turning it into an appliance?
@@bradsmith9189 Appliance? Have you seen what Electric cars can do? Come on man. What better way to take a car that was a vision of the future and then making it the actual future? I get the "electric car is bad blah blah" argument but really, move with the times.
@@artpereira I'll give another 10 yrs before nuclear takes over. But no matter if you like or hate ev, an electric delorean is just a chef kiss. Quiet and sleek like the 80s future aesthetic.
@@georgepacheco9983 this “chef kiss” trend is really annoying. Hope it dies out but yes, I agree with you. The Delorean was never known for it’s Peugeot engine
Delorean and electric motor technology. Combine them both and you have the best of both worlds.
Electricity and Coke?
@@rexmann1984 😂
Respect. How can someone be so smart. like he did everything from scratch.
Nonononono! This sucker's electrical! I just need the plutonium reaction to generate the 1.21 Jiggawatts of electricity...
Are you telling me this sucker is nuclear???
@mr fantastic Something you need plutonium for...
@mr fantastic *Blinks innocently* Why NO! Why don't you tell me about it? *Blinks even more innocently* =) See: Laconic Irony
@mr fantastic it's related to a 4/4 reel-watt but is counted in 6/8.😁
Doc, you don't just walk into a store and buy plutonium! Did you rip that off?
Need, Back to the Future is my favorite movie of all time.
Same
Same
One of the most notable things about the DeLorean was the great condition of it body panels. Stainless steel holds up, that is one of the things I am excited about the TriMotor Cybertruck I ordered. Top speed who cares I will never drive that fast acceleration thats fun every day
The 100$ cybertruck preorder was a really smart move by tesla. i know a lot of people who "ordered" a cybertruck and mention it on every possible occasion. People who like to imagine themself riding a cybertruck, but never will.. That makes me sad.. those people would never spend money for institutions trying to protect the enviroment, wildlife or oceans.. they would not even donate some blood.. but stupid bragging rights ? here you go: 100$
The cybertruck is great but I'm gonna shit myself if it the can make mass deliveries before 2025. Quote me on the one.
The comparison between the DeLorean fraud and Musk's con is appropriate. "I ORDERED" LOL.
“Top speed who cares” You’d better care, since it needs to be able to do at least 90 mph or else it can’t time travel
Dr Emmett brown if my calculations are correct when this baby hits 88 miles per hour you're gonna see some serious beep Marty McFly: Wait a minute. Wait a minute, Doc. Ah... Are you telling me that you built a time machine... out of a DeLorean? Dr. Emmett Brown: The way I see it, if you're gonna build a time machine into a car, why not do it with some *style?* Huge back to the future fan 📼
...and this way a train wouldn't be needed in BTTF 3, because there would've been no gasoline to leak in the first place. Just find an even enough terrain and let Doc charge the batteries if needed, Marty'll be back in 1985 before Buford Tannen can say "I hate manure"
Great Scott! I'm glad they brought this generation's motive powerpacks and motors to bring this icon back on the roads. I look forward to the day when someone brings this car back out to put mercury engines inside. That way it'll be able to do what it did in the end of BTTF3
It’s cool, but where’s the Mr. Fusion so I can run it off household garbage?
Finally one of the coolest Cars ever deserves the right drive technology
Great choice for a conversion
Fantastic video, mate!
I knew someone was gonna do this! It was just a matter of time! I’m glad!
Everybody gangsta till Tesla makes an electric DeLorean
Oh boi if tesla themselves put their own spin of electrical technology in the Delorean while still keeping the classic design would have been MIND BLOWING
Thanks for sharing subscribed really nice work very well thought out and executed
Brilliant project! Thanks for sharing! 👍🏾
This is AMAZING I WAS JUST THINKING ABOUT THIS IM SO EXCITED
AC-DMC I love that, well done!
Great electric car build
You have to add a flux capacitor... it’s a must especially in this car. Great work
This is an amazing project, very impressive! I need one.
Love your build. Was curious about why no one has yet to build a Adams type motor. Electric magnet motor that's at least 800% efficiency because of the lack of drag and recharging batteries as it's running. Thanks for your beautiful rebuild and showing us.
Make all DeLoreans electric!
Very nice, now I’m looking forward to the, “Hover conversion”...
Yea boi!
This has been my dream since I was 15 lol. It was always a "if I win the lottery" dream, but still. I'm glad to see someone bringing it to reality!!
An electric delorean is my dream car thank you for making it!!
This is one of those videos I wish I could hit the like button again and again!!!
Electrical DeLorean is a super great idea ! if it is available market for sale, for sure I will buy one ! The next DIY conversion project I will suggest any truck or half track from the 30's or 40's, like kfz 2, OT-810 etc
Fantastic vid Jacob & Jim~! Classic sports car icons; will survive & thrive when converted properly~! The frame under my 4 Lotus Esprits is quite a bit different than the the one in a Delorean.. I've priced the leaf motor; -thank goodness this is an affordable conversion ! I will need custom cut electric motor mounts; or even possibly a complete rear frame w/ reinforced tunnel.. - discuss?
Great video. Thanks for sharing this.
Delorean DMC-12 is the only car where electric conversion not only feels right, but also adds to it's retro-futuristic design. A true time machine.
FINALLY. I've been talking about an EV Delorean concept for so long. I Couldn't even find a vid/post where people actually attempted it in real life. I really like the idea of making some classic cars electric.
This is one of the coolest things I’ve seen with any vehicle This is exciting stuff Ever since I was a kid I was stoked to see electric vehicles But they never came Finally they’re finally starting to come out
Please mass-produce these!!!
Now this is cool. The flux capacitor should be visible though ...
With our current trend of retro futurism, an electric DeLorean would be super cool if put into production.
It seems to me that if there was any car that needed to be an EV it would be the Delorean. The car still looks unique and futuristic to this very day, I wish they were put back into production. I know I’d buy one.
Lancia Stratos too
Very impressive! Well done.
I like!!! I love you delorean Delorean!
I've been building electric cars since the late 70's. Vw's, Datsuns, Mazdas and on and on. My latest is based on 2017 impala. Where I was once considered "weird", now people are very interested in my way of building.
Perfect idea Marty!
Such an amazing build! Didn’t think the delorean could get much cooler!!!
Way to go Jacob...simply amazing!
That has to be the best application for an arduino I have ever seen. Hell of a car too 😎
This is honestly huge If we can make the classic Deloreans again and put them with proper powerful electric components then it's the best that will happen
Great Scott!!
That's heavy Doc.
now i know whom to talk to when i'll build my own E-DMC-12!
Brilliant! Amazing what some individuals can accomplish.
Black widow fumigation? Sometimes I'm very happy to live in the UK where the most dangerous thing we see is an angry badger or maybe a chav.
GREAT SCOTT! I'm sure gonna buy one in the future.
Definitely a great job and so nice to make a famous classic car into an electric version - who doesn't like seeing a classic car on todays roads. Well done.
when I think of a DeLorean...I think of "back to the future" and then I think of some sort of electronic wizardry, so I think an all electric DeLorean is what it should be
“No no no, this sucker’s electrical! But I need to generate the 1.21 gigawatts necessary to fully charge the battery for long-distance travel!” 🔋
Hermosa conversión.
Excellent!!! This summer I’ll be building a PorschLa 928. I have two donor 928s that will be combined to one and a Tesla drivetrain / battery pack switched in
The delorean looks like it just came out and with it electrified it stands the test of time flawlessly
Awesome! Should be thrown to the market!
Impressive! Congratulations for 1 step closer to fusion energy!
Pervypriest The DMC delorean is just the right vehicle for an EV conversion like this. I would love to own a car like that. Amazing
Back to the future taught many things, but the most are: 1- The DeLorean DMC-12 is sexy as hell. A never aging beauty in the car industry. 2- Electric is the future and the future is now. And is purposely held back. In my fantasies of EV motors the best will be a steam-electric hybrid motor.
Now I need to find a way to add 2 extra seats :)) and extend the range to 300+ miles. Awesome video!
I always wanted a Delorean but I heard that the engine was powerless. I'm glad that it's now possible to make it an electric version that can go fast
I want! Holy shit, this is so dope.
I need one of these.
AWESOME !!!!!
GREAT JOB!!!
On my Sabvoton controllers tweaking the flux weakening amps is awesome.
It is an impressive project. But for those wishing for more power, Yamaha built a line of electric motors. The most powerful pumps out 469 hp / 350 KW, which I think could be sweet for the DMC-12
Pretty awesome!
I wonder if the gearstick is just decorative now or if it has been repurposed?
Amazing video
A new era of hot-rodding.
This is the most badass thing ever
Id love one of these
Interesting Arduino project
the most smartest this anyone did for this car yet Awesome
Way cool!! All thumbs up!!
Would love to see a DeLorean Back To The Future Electric Conversion. Question is how much power could you actually squeeze into a DeLorean with all those lights and sound effects?
Is there a video detailing the 380 mile electric BMW E39 5 series you mentioned? That sounds like a really interesting build too!
This is great idea
Very impressive 😀✌️. Two 👍👍 up.
Are you telling me this sucker is NUCLEAR? No no, This sucker is electrical.
Tesla should make a photo shoot of this DeLorean beside the Cybertruck. After all the engineers were clearly inspired by the DeLorean to create the new car of the future.
Electric Vehicle Association of San Diego is having a drive-in showing of Back to the Future at the Tail-Gate parking lot at Petco Park tonight (15 Nov). I will be there.
all that coded android monitoring app needs is an extra screen that shows the time circuits from the movie, it even has the green digital clock font already!
its like DeLoreans are meant to be electric
God my dream car, and now it's even better! XD
That's awesome
Where Doc Brown used plutonium in the DeLorean chamber, this dude brings literally the car To the Future ( Doc didn't think about it)
If I could afford it, I'd love to have an electric DeLorean as a second car.
Thats really fucking impressive
DeLorean refresh would be awesome to see.
is it possiblento connect a charger and charge the battery, while the car is running??
Doc’ doc….what a minute…are you telling me you built an all-electric vehicle…out of a DeLorean??? This is heavy.
DeLorean, Welcome...
Don't forget the Flux-Capacitor! 😂
Bravo
With more modern battery packs you should be able to double or even triple the range.
I know DMC Houston is doing an EV version themselves but if I could get someone else to do something similar to this “leaf” version on a “semi” refurbished DMC for under $50K out the door with even only a 6 mph warranty I would pay cash for it RIGHT NOW. My family was involved with the initial launch of DeLorean’s and I remember being driven to grade school in them. I’ve even spent time at DMC California - Garden Grove on many occasions. I was a DMC fan before BttF. DMC rocks.