Build $600 Commuter Electric Car
Budget: $2 – $8 USD
I want to prove that a practical, daily-use electric car can be put together for roughly $600 in parts. The goal is a lightweight commuter vehicle, not a racer or showpiece, with a realistic single-charge range of 50–100 miles. I have basic tools and workshop space, but I need an experienced designer/fabricator to translate this idea into an actionable plan I can follow on my own.
Here’s what I’m expecting:
• A complete parts list (new or salvage) with current prices that keep the whole build near the $600 mark
• Mechanical and electrical drawings (2D or simple 3D CAD) showing frame layout, battery placement, drivetrain, steering, brakes, and wiring
• Step-by-step assembly guide, including any jigs or fixtures I’ll have to make
• Charging circuit design suited to household power (110/220 V)
• Performance estimates—range, top speed, and recharge time—based on the chosen components
• Email or chat support to clarify questions while I gather parts and start assembly
Acceptance criteria: the documented bill of materials must total approximately $600, the design must be road-safe at neighborhood speeds (around 25–30 mph), and the calculated range should land within 50–100 miles per charge.
If you have built DIY EVs, e-bikes, or lightweight kit cars before and can keep meticulous track of cost versus performance, I’d love to see your proposal and any examples of past work.
Here’s what I’m expecting:
• A complete parts list (new or salvage) with current prices that keep the whole build near the $600 mark
• Mechanical and electrical drawings (2D or simple 3D CAD) showing frame layout, battery placement, drivetrain, steering, brakes, and wiring
• Step-by-step assembly guide, including any jigs or fixtures I’ll have to make
• Charging circuit design suited to household power (110/220 V)
• Performance estimates—range, top speed, and recharge time—based on the chosen components
• Email or chat support to clarify questions while I gather parts and start assembly
Acceptance criteria: the documented bill of materials must total approximately $600, the design must be road-safe at neighborhood speeds (around 25–30 mph), and the calculated range should land within 50–100 miles per charge.
If you have built DIY EVs, e-bikes, or lightweight kit cars before and can keep meticulous track of cost versus performance, I’d love to see your proposal and any examples of past work.