The Austin Healey Sprite, affectionately known as the “Bugeye” or “Frogeye” Sprite, is a classic British sports car renowned for its charm and nimble handling. At carparteu.com, we’re passionate about keeping these iconic vehicles on the road, and we’re excited to share our journey of transforming a Sprite into a modern marvel: an electric vehicle. This week, we delve into the fascinating world of Austin Healey Sprite Car Parts and how they play a crucial role in our electric conversion project, the FrogE.
Our latest FrogE project, FrogE #2, is nearing completion and ready to embark on its journey to Maryland. Before shipping, we’re conducting final tests, including a highway range assessment culminating in a display at the Fairfield County Concours in Westport, CT. This event will showcase electric sports cars, and we invite you to join us and witness the future of classic motoring firsthand.
One significant improvement this week was addressing the ride height and quality. We replaced the original, sagging rear leaf springs with new Austin Healey Sprite car parts. This adjustment raised the car and, after shimming, achieved the ideal fender gap above the tires. Previously, the car was bottoming out on bumps, but these new springs have dramatically enhanced the ride, demonstrating the importance of quality Austin Healey Sprite suspension parts in both classic and electric conversions.
A major breakthrough in our testing was optimizing the charger peak voltage. This allowed us to accurately determine the maximum range for this specific battery configuration. We’ve achieved an impressive 81 miles of range in combined highway and city driving. To verify this real-world range, I personally took the wheel. Interestingly, the electric “fuel gauge” behavior mirrors the classic Sprite fuel gauges, remaining stable for most of the capacity before dropping rapidly at the lower end.
Pushing the range to its limit, the controller eventually derated power after 81 miles, signaling an immediate need to recharge. Fortuitously, I was near our landscaper’s house and managed to borrow an extension cord for a crucial emergency charge. While 110V charging is slow, it provided enough power to get back to the shop. Our 220V shop charger and public charging stations offer significantly faster charging options for these modern Austin Healey Sprite car parts conversions.
While we initially hoped for a greater range, the current battery pack configuration provides a practical 80-mile radius. For those requiring extended range, integrating a Tesla battery pack, known for its higher energy density and longevity, remains a viable option. However, our experience suggests that 80 miles is ample for typical Bugeye outings. Most drives are shorter, and with convenient recharging, daily usability is excellent. Imagine enjoying a spirited 20-mile drive to the beach or local market, knowing you have plenty of range and can easily recharge upon returning home – a testament to the practicality of electric Austin Healey Sprite car parts.
Looking ahead, we’re upgrading the onboard charger to double the charging speed. This enhancement will significantly improve off-site charging efficiency, allowing for a full charge in just 8 hours or a 25% range boost with a quick two-hour stop at a public charging station. This faster charging capability further enhances the practicality of electric Austin Healey Sprite car parts conversions for modern driving.
Our second electric Sprite is now ready for comprehensive testing, including a “nose-off” video drive to assess its systems and range. Notice the sleek lexan grill cover, a deliberate aerodynamic modification to improve range by reducing drag – a subtle but effective change from standard Austin Healey Sprite body parts.
This electric conversion is more than just a powertrain swap; it’s a revival. This particular Sprite was in a state of decline, but electric power has breathed new life into it, transforming a dormant classic into a smooth and enjoyable machine. We’ve also enhanced its aesthetics with new wheels, tires, interior, and a tonneau cover, creating a vehicle that’s both beautiful and practical, showcasing the potential when combining classic Austin Healey Sprite car parts with modern EV technology.
FrogE #2 utilizes a different battery system than our first conversion, aiming for increased range. The battery array, complete with viewing panels, demonstrates the innovative engineering involved. While we’d love to offer electric conversion kits, the complexity necessitates in-house conversions for now. We encourage enthusiasts to contact us to discuss bringing their Sprite in for a transformation. The intricate nature of these conversions highlights the specialized knowledge required when working with both classic Austin Healey Sprite car parts and modern electric components.
Kenny’s custom-designed framework securely houses the batteries, allowing for efficient installation with an engine hoist. The blue AC electric motor, nestled in the transmission tunnel, maintains a low and aft center of gravity. The level 2 (220V) charge plug, cleverly integrated into the flip-up filler cap, streamlines charging. These details showcase the thoughtful engineering behind integrating electric Austin Healey Sprite powertrain parts.
Inside, the nearly completed blue interior features a redesigned dashboard with electronic gauges tailored to the electric system. Routing wires from the rear to the front presented a challenge, solved by a custom-built soffit along the rocker panel. The absence of a clutch pedal and the larger brake pedal are further adaptations for the electric drivetrain – subtle but important modifications to Austin Healey Sprite interior parts for EV conversion.
While top speed isn’t the typical focus for Frogeye Sprites, our electric conversions redefine performance. These cars are highway-capable roadsters, transforming vehicles often relegated to slower speeds into exhilarating machines. Our electric powertrains elevate the Sprite into a new performance category, requiring careful attention to all Austin Healey Sprite car parts to ensure they can handle the increased power and speed.
The FrogE electric Sprite weighs in at a mere 1659 pounds, only slightly heavier than its gasoline counterpart. This minimal weight increase, even with batteries for an 80-mile range, is remarkable. Even more impressive is the perfect 50/50 weight distribution, contributing to the FrogE’s exceptional handling – a testament to the balanced integration of electric Austin Healey Sprite car parts.
Our first off-site charging experience was seamless, plugging into a public station and watching the kilowatts flow. This glimpse into the future of fueling reinforces our belief in electric conversions. The FrogE project demonstrates that classic cars, enhanced with modern electric technology and carefully selected Austin Healey Sprite car parts, can be both nostalgic and forward-thinking, offering a thrilling and sustainable driving experience.
