Electric Vehicle Associates (EVA)

Electric Vehicles Associates Inc. , also known as EVA Inc. , was an American manufacturer of automobiles . 

Company History

The company was founded on March 14, 1974 in Ohio.  by February 15, 1985, the company was dissolved. 

The energy crisis of the early 1970's generated great interest in electric vehicles, to reduce U.S. dependency upon fossil fuels. The U.S. Department of Energy initiated several electric vehicle programs to spur development.  Out of this Electric Vehicle Associates (EVA), Incorporated came to be.

High school vocational education teachers in Cleveland, Ohio as a student project started EVA. EVA had converted various vehicles to electric power, but when the Pacer hit the scene, it made the ideal electric vehicle.  The large interior volume was ideal for carrying the lead acid batteries, battery charger, and motor controller that was required for the vehicle. . 

The Change of Pace was driven the same as a gasoline powered Pacer, and the operation was invisible to most drivers. The car was completely silent when stopped, which is a very unusual experience. It seems that the car has stalled, but it is ready to go whenever the accelerator is depressed. Electric vehicles produce maximum torque at start, so they feel very energetic. The additional weight and modified suspension produced a very smooth ride. 

EVA made well over 100 Change of Pace Pacers, and then turned to Ford Fairmonts and Ford Escorts after the Pacer.

Vehicles

Metro (Renault 12)

This was a conversion of a Renault 12, a 4-door, 4-seater, front-wheel drive car using an automatic 3-speed transmission with 19 batteries , each with a voltage of 6 volts, . The top speed was indicated at 88 km / h, and the range with up to 88 km. 

The car had a curb weight of 3, 150 pounds, and a GVW rating of 3,750 pounds.

Range on a single charge was claimed to be 58 miles at approximately 25 mph, 34 miles at 35 miles per hour, 37 miles at 45 miles per hour and 33 miles at 55 mph (the advertised maximum speed). Acceleration from 0-30 mph was claimed to be less than 15 seconds, and 0-45 mph in 27 seconds.

Current Fare (Ford Fairmont)

The Current Fare was a conversion of a Ford Fairmont. Both sedans and station wagon versions were produced. 20 of these vehicles were purchased by New York Consolidated Edison in 1981.

Change of Pace (AMC Pacer)

The electric motor rated at 15 kW. Top speed was in excess of 55 mph, 0 to 30 mph was achieved in less than 12 seconds, and the range was 30 to 50 miles.

Pacer chassis. The 15 kW d.c. series motor is powered by 18 6 V traction batteries weighing 76 1b (34 kg), each in a 108 V system with 3-speed automatic transmission using -motor- speed to motor-current logic. The Delta Pacer has a range of 54 miles (87 km) at 25 mph (40 km/h) or 32 miles (50 km) at its top speed

50 mph (80 km/h). Consumption is 0.62 kW/h in an urban situation and charging takes 12-20 hours at 110 V or 6-8 hours at 220 V.

The dimensions are those of the AMC Pacer but with an increase in weight due to the batteries.

The curb weight of the Delta is 4,100 1b (1,859 kg).  It accelerates from 0-50 mph (0-80 km/h) in 70 seconds.