Mike Chancey wrote: > I was under the impression the benchmark we were trying to match was > the GM EV-1, including speed, range, and ease of operation. Are you > saying that conventional EV components can deliver all that? I really > don't believe so, otherwise we would all be doing so already.
First, the EV1 has about half its total weight in batteries. That is one secret for success. Achieve this with any EV, and range will be 100 miles or more, even with lead-acid batteries. Second, it has a 100kw motor/controller. That is what lets it get away without a transmission. Any motor/controller, AC or DC that can achieve this can do the same. But, achieving these goals usually means an expensive, custom-designed vehicle. Few conversions can carry half their weight in batteries, and few homebuilder can afford a 100kw drive system. > Many of the parts I have mentioned are used in Sheer's Accord. There > is no way you could duplicate the performance he is getting, 80-100 > mile range, using conventional batteries in a vehicle of similar size > and weight. The energy density of a conventional lead acid battery > just isn't in the same league as NiZn. Yes, there is. For example, the McKee Sundancers did it with golf cart batteries. But it was custom-designed as an EV, not a conversion. Sheer's car is making up for the heavier car with lighter, higher-tech batteries. > Since we are now talking about an AC drive car, there is no longer a > true need for a conventional transmission. We've discussed this before; a DC alternative is still possible. Something like the Porsche 914 that Paul Compton has described on many occassions -- Advanced DC 9" motor with a 240v pack. -- Lee A. Hart Ring the bells that still can ring 814 8th Ave. N. Forget your perfect offering Sartell, MN 56377 USA There is a crack in everything leeahart_at_earthlink.net That's how the light gets in - Leonard Cohen
