Sunday, February 12, 2012

Fun, But Not a Race Car

The electric car is configured to limit the motor to 5,500 RPM. First gear breaks the tires free so fast that it's not really useful.

Starting in second gear is better, but the motor RPM limit means shifting is required just past 40 MPH. It's fun off the line, but the time required for a clutchless shift hurts the 0-60 time.

Starting in third gear works. That goes from 0-60 in 9.4 seconds.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Any TV Footage?

I got a call Thursday night that the Secret Service was checking out the car before President Obama visited the car show again. We don't have a TV subscription. How else would we have time for such projects?!

So if anyone reading this has access to any news footage in the Advanced Technologies section of the Washington Auto Show for today, Feb 3rd, I'd love to see it.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Tech Specs and Bargains

I've been asked to post the technical specs of the car now that the conversion is complete. Here is our page on www.EValbum.com

Another good page is EVtradinpost.com. One of the things I've learned is that some real bargains can be found. One common story is that somebody does a conversion and uses lead acid batteries. Five or six years later, the batteries are fading and the car is no longer viewed as very useful. Memories fade and the owner has less appreciation for all the time and money invested in the conversion and offers the car for sale at a huge discount. If someone were to get it and replace the batteries with lithium, it would be a very easy way to acquire an affordable EV.

;-)