EV conversion parts list > 1992 Geo Metro host car ...

The ForkenSwift was built by combining the best parts from a 1993 Suzuki Swift (which turned out to be too rusty to use) and a 1992 Geo Metro. The cars were essentially the same. The only big difference was the Suzuki had a 4-cylinder engine where the Metro had a 3-cylinder.

Why did we choose this car for the ForkenSwift?

• Weight: it's a major enemy of efficiency. At under 1800 lbs, these cars were among the lightest available in the North American market. A small, light car can be a poor choice for an EV conversion if there isn't enough space or payload capacity to hold the batteries (usually lead acid). But with a relatively small 48 volt pack, we knew we'd be OK.
  
• Cost: they were cheap to buy new, and they're even cheaper to buy used. This pair of cars cost $250.
  
• Availability: between GM and Suzuki, probably several hundred thousand cars built on this platform were sold from the late 80's to the late 90's. They're easy to get parts for, and used ones are still kicking around (though fewer in the rust belt).