> ("BREATHE
> EASY - YOU'RE FOLLOWING AN ELECTRIC" just over the OEM "DATSUN")Is this a sticker that someone has available? I'd like to put one on the rear of my Prius, and write in "Hybrid" in red just in front of the "ELECTRIC", slanting it upwards. I think this type of sticker is a great idea, Eric. > I've suspected that the open PU box is not very aerodynamic, > and I think this really shows it. I've driven nearly that distance > at somewhat lower speeds with less problems. Either the pack > has weakened greatly in the 6 or so weeks since then, or the > slightly higher speeds really increase drag. One thing I want > to try is a tonneau cover. Hopefully, Sheer will post about > his observations on this subject based on his trip from/to Seattle. This is one thing that I like about the Prius mileage display. You can see instantaneous (okay, not quite) mileage, and the last 6 5 minute averages. On long flat sections of highway you can really see a difference in mileage when experimenting with different speeds, drafting and such. The difference on the Prius between 65 and 75mph is at least 10mpg. If you want to experiment with a box cover, cut a sheet of plywood (or whatever, something stiff) to cover the box, secure it in place with (200mph) duct tape and make a test run, then compare without it in place. Then you can try removing the tailgate, running without it, or with a net or something in it's place. It'd be interesting to see the different power requirements with the various options available. I've wondered how much drag those nets have... I would think the solid bar versions are better than a net. > As for Woodburn itself, it was great! For me, it was mostly > visiting with the attendees. I got to meet a lot that I'd only > known from list postings. Also talked to many people who've > not seen working EVs before. I greatly enjoyed my (and my wife's) trip to Woodburn in 2000. Sure would have been fun to be there last Saturday as well. It's great to be able to put faces with all the names. I highly recommend at least one trip to Woodburn (or another NEDRA event) for all of you that have been holding out. If you're reading these postings, thinking about jumping into EV's, and wonder what some of this stuff really looks like, there's nothing like poking your head into someone's car and eyeballing each piece yourself. The pictures on the internet don't give the same effect; you can't look at wiring and connections in detail, and the pictures just don't have the same effect. And you miss the smells, and the hot sun, getting run over by an out of control EV in the pits... -Chris
