Motorsport can often seem like an exclusive club, reserved for those with deep pockets. However, a father-son team from Northern California has proven that the thrill of racing is attainable on a budget. They embarked on an ambitious project, leveraging their mechanical skills and readily available parts to create a seriously quick, homemade electric race car. This project demonstrates that with ingenuity and hard work, anyone can experience the excitement of competitive racing without breaking the bank.
The result of their efforts is the Apex Cricket EV, a lightweight, battery-powered race car reminiscent of an Ariel Atom. This green machine was conceived and built during the challenging times of the Covid pandemic. After less than a year of dedicated work in their garage, the Apex Cricket EV was ready to make its mark on the autocross course. Weighing in at a mere 1,700 pounds, this DIY electric race car is a testament to their resourcefulness and dedication.
The Apex Cricket EV is powered by a Gen3 Nissan Leaf motor located at the rear, capable of producing a maximum of 214 horsepower (160 kilowatts). This power output is more than sufficient for a vehicle of its weight. Initially, the Cricket utilized the Leaf’s original one-speed transmission and open differential, which presented a challenge. Due to the car’s lightweight nature, the single motor would cause one of the tires to spin excessively, even at speeds up to 70 miles per hour. While this might seem entertaining, it was far from ideal for racing and posed some control issues.
To address this, the team replaced the standard Leaf transmission with a six-speed gearbox and an integrated limited-slip differential sourced from a Nissan Maxima. They fabricated a custom adapter plate to connect the electric motor to the transmission, eliminating the need for a clutch. Although this setup prevents shifting gears while driving, it’s not a hindrance for short autocross runs, where a single gear is sufficient for the entire sprint. The suspension, steering, and brakes were borrowed from a C5 Chevrolet Corvette, ensuring reliable handling and stopping power. The battery pack consists of several 60-volt modules taken from a Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivan, providing a total of 16 kilowatt-hours of energy, enough for approximately 100 miles of range on the street. Remarkably, the Apex Cricket EV is also street legal, allowing it to be driven on public roads.
With the exception of the tubular chassis, which was professionally welded, the entire build was completed at home in the garage. The total cost of the Apex Cricket EV was around $20,000, a figure considered quite economical in the world of racing. Over the three years since its completion, the car has required minimal maintenance, primarily consisting of tire changes and battery charging. Initially, there were occasional issues with power delivery, but these were resolved by adjusting the custom motor controller. This project highlights that building a cheap, home-brew EV is indeed possible with dedication and effort.
The success of the Apex Cricket EV demonstrates that affordable motorsport is within reach for those willing to invest their time and skills. By repurposing components from other vehicles and performing the majority of the work themselves, the father-son team created a competitive and reliable race car without incurring exorbitant costs. This approach not only makes racing more accessible but also encourages innovation and creativity in automotive engineering.
