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Can anyone point me to a guide to recharging the airconditioner for my 2014 Smart ED? I've located the fill port on the passenger side in the front of the car (in the fluids/maintenance area), but I don't see an easy way to access it, even with my medium sized hands. Thanks in advance.

Hey guys, new here. Our diesel engineering team at UMD duluth is building a clean diesel snowmobile to compete against other schools. We are thinking of replacing the alternator and mounting a stator instead to save some space (space is a huge issue in this build). Does anyone have any experience or advice for this? I am wondering if there is something out there that can be adapted to fit this application or if we need to look at designing one from the ground up. Thank you guys!

Lately I've been using my car's included charging brick for Level 1 charging a lot more at my shop and at home. I recently moved back to Toronto, and my place doesn't currently have Level 2 charging, but with less than a year left on the lease, and no current plans for buying or leasing another EV any time soon, I'm making do with Level 1 for now, and it's working out pretty well for the most part. However, with winter arriving soon, and parking outside, I've realized that I need to do something to keep the EVSE, its coiled cord and plug, and the attached extension cord a) up out of the slush and grime, and b) packaged up neatly – either at the side of the house, or in the back of the car – when I'm not using it. Here's what I came up with: … and in real life: Using a little more than $20 in materials, I made this stand that holds the EVSE, as well as about 25 feet of heavy-duty 12-3 gauge extension cord. The brick module is mounted on its side in the middle section, the button to activate low/high charging mode is easily accessible, and the lights are visible. The two arms that act as the cord holders can pivot inwards to grip the body of the EVSE firmly. I used the included velcro strap on the EVSE supply cord to attach it to the frame of the stand, with the plug situated underneath where you can see the extension cord connector. The offset "T" legs can be rotated 90 degrees, so the whole thing lies flat in the trunk (or possibly stands up between the seatback and firewall), or they can be removed entirely. The main module of the unit can still stand up without the legs attached, so you can use it that way as well, if you wish. I've just hammered the whole thing together right now, and it's pretty solid just as a friction-fit assembly. Once I'm sure I don't want to tweak the design any more, i'll pull it apart and cement the parts I want waterproof and permanently connected. It's just one 10-foot piece of half-inch PVC pipe, 14 Tee fittings, and 10 cap fittings. All dimensions are included in the plans, both in the assembly drawing and on a separate cut list. Overall, I'm quite happy with it. It's not 100% perfect, but it's light, compact, and keeps everything together neatly and off the ground. I've attached the plans if anybody wants to take a crack at building one of their own, and possibly improving mine in the process. Here's the link to the plans: EVSE stand plans small.pdf

Hello all, Here in Rochester, NY, temperatures get down pretty cold in the winter although you folks north of us feel it even more. As you all know the 450 is slow to heat up on the cold days and as has been recommended to me in person and on these forums, it sounds like a coolant heater will assist in cold-starting in the winter and decrease the length of time it takes to get the engine [and heating system] warm. There have been a number of bits and pieces I've found on the forums, but I'm not as handy as some of you and would really appreciate some more information. I'm hoping if any of you have done this modification that you could give details as to recommended parts, the location of where this part should be installed, and any specs on appropriate wattages for this size vehicle. Details that I've found already - 300 watts + - 5/8" hose Many thanks in advance, Steven