We were contacted to list this historic electric vehicle, and initially declined.

Normally, we confine our matchmaking listings to Tesla Roadsters, but after reading the backstory, we realized this early EV paved the way for the Roadster, and was a very early prototype, which led to the AC Propulsion Tzero, which led to the Tesla Roadster, which led to a revolution in transportation.

This prototype EV has some early components from AC Propulsion, a drive train initially slated to be used in the Tesla Roadster. This museum EV uses the sake Optima Spiral Wound Lead Acid AGM batteries used later on in the 3) Tzero EVs. This successful build was the inspiration for the Tzero project, which spawned the Tesla Roadsters and formation of Tesla. Here’s what the owner shared: —————————————————————– From a brand new 1994 Saturn SC1 coupe,  AC Propulsion performed an EV Conversion. – Electric Vehicle Conversion of a Saturn SC1 to Battery Electric Vehicle – All-electric drive system – Not a Hybrid. – This car also has a “Hybrid Box” or “Trailer Interface Box” with connector and battery cabling installed to the PEU to allow future connection to a special genset trailer like AC Propulsion has built for other of their demonstration cars. (I do not have a genset trailer, but if I did, this Trailer Interface Box is already installed.) – Another remarkable EV first is a cordless inductive charging “Inductran” system automatically charging the car when positioned over the charging system. EV Demonstration Vehicle – built for the State of California, about 26,000 total miles on the odometer. The SC1 was purchased new at Saturn of West Covina in 1993 not far from AC Propulsion in San Dimas. I have the Owner’s Handbook, including business card of salesman. Inserted was an AC Propulsion AC-100 Electric Drive System – 100 Kilowatts = 134 hp equivalent The drive train consisted 28 Optima YellowTop deep cycle AGM Lead-Acid batteries, identical to the DC system later used in the Tzero. The Battery system in this EV needs to be replaced – Car is Not Running. Specially built for the State of California South Coast Air Quality Management District, who was the previous owner of this car. ACP engineer said the car uses only 120 Wh per mile (driving efficiently) on the original factory tires. With Low Rolling Resistance Tires, like the Bridgestone Potenza RE92, it’s probably even more efficient. Body & paint are very good; however, there are two small dents and scratches on the roof. I bought it at auction in 2004 – General Auction Company, Redlands, CA. (Tom Cruise movie car in ‘Collateral’ – rolled taxi cab – was also at auction) The tires are Potenza RE92 Additional: P175/65R14 84S M+S Extra Load 50psi 500kg 1102lbs I overinflated them for even lower rolling resistance. In 2023 – I flushed Brake Fluid with DOT 3 Synthetic; (higher boiling point than non-synthetic)

Technical

The on-board charger is rated for up to a remarkable 20 Kilowatts: 80 Amps at 250 VAC. The innovative integrated Charger is versatile and user-adjustable: 100 to 250 VAC, 50 to 60Hz To charge the car from a 240 VAC 50A Stove Outlet, set it to 40 Amps (80%) for about 9600 Watts of charging power, or: For a regular 240 VAC 30A Dryer Outlet, set it to 24A (80%) for about 5760 Watts. Wall Outlet Charging: If you turn the charger down to 12A First, like you’re supposed to so you don’t pop or overheat the circuit breaker, and then plug into a regular household 15 Amp, 120 VAC Wall Outlet, that will charge the car too, but will take hours (that’s only 1440 Watts). The immediate off-the-line torque coupled with 12,000 rpm capability means this car has — and needs — only one gear. Top speed is limited to 80 mph, said by AC Propulsion to be “suitable for commuting in Los Angeles Area Traffic”. 0-60 is around 8 seconds. For safety, top speed in Reverse gear is limited to about 30 mph. This car also has a “Hybrid Box” or “Trailer Interface Box” with connector and battery cabling installed to the PEU,  to allow future connection to a special genset trailer like AC Propulsion has built for other of their demonstration cars.  I do not have a genset trailer, but if I did, this Trailer Interface Box is already installed. These ACP Conversion cars, of which AC Propulsion has built several, mostly Honda models, use a battery chassis which is lowered out of the bottom of the car. I have the custom battery winch and pulley assembly system parts for lowering the battery pack out of the car; they can be included in the sale. Previously fitted with a Cordless Inductive charging prototype – “Inductran” – Clean Air Vehicle Technology Center, Hayward, CA This particular Saturn was at one time equipped with a prototype automatically engaging inductive charging system. While owned by the AQMD, under a contract with a company in Northern California, the South Coast AQMD commissioned the retrofitting of an automatically connecting inductive charging system, activated after simply driving the car so as to position it over an electrical device on the ground in a special parking space in a garage. I had this inductive charging interface removed, and the removed parts set aside and preserved; I have them still. They can be included in the sale. I obtained a photocopy of an official original report prepared for the AQMD to be included in the sale.

Our take

This vehicle currently is bricked, and needs the 12 volt batteries replaced.  It contains capability for design features like inductive coupling charging which are still not widely employed in EVs.  We find the early EV pioneers were visionaries that often saw the future, and incorporated other features like the ACP variable regen in the Tzero, or Vehicle to Grid (V2G) which took many more years to insert in production vehicles. This car belongs in a museum, or someone’s treasured collection since it is a historic design and inspiration for what was to come. The owner  is accepting bids – please email them to ev@gruber.com Gruber Motor Company offers Tesla Roadster matchmaking services. We unite sellers with buyers, and offer this service free of charge. Our Tesla fan and customer data base is extensive, and we maintain a growing list of “want to buy” contacts. Between our social media exposure, Our YouTube Channel – and growing Website traffic, we have been highly successful placing Roadsters into the hands of appreciative new Tesla Roadster owners.