len moskowitz via EV wrote:
I have an old '90 VW Jetta EV conversion. Last time I changed the
lead-acid batteries I put in ten 29-series marine batteries (that's
around 12 kWh) that I bought from the local Costco for around $900. They
lasted less than three years and gave me 25 - 35 miles per charge - not
really enough for my needs - until two batteries failed.
As others have said, 12v marine batteries are only a quick-n-dirty
solution. They barely work as EV batteries. They are cheap initially,
but performance is poor, and life is short.
Your best bet for lead-acids are golf cart batteries. They are
specifically designed as EV batteries. They cost much less per KWH, and
last at least twice as long, so your cost per mile is low. This is why
they are almost universally used for industrial and commercial EVs,
where some bean counter is watching every nickel.
I want to eventually install Lithium Ion, but only when their price
comes down. I don't want to spend $5000 on batteries plus a BMS for only
50 - 70 miles of range (25 kWh).
With any type of battery, the range is simply a function of how many you
carry -- the size of your "fuel tank".
Is your Jetta limited by physical space, or by weight-carrying capacity?
Note that lithiums are lighter per cubic foot, but do not necessarily
provide any more KWH per cubic foot.
It's also worth noting that lead-acid golf cart batteries are pretty
tough. They will survive abuse that would murder an expensive lithium
pack. Most batteries don't die of old age -- they are *murdered* by
ignorance and abuse! If you're going to commit batricide, you may as
well murder cheap ones rather than expensive ones. :-(
--
A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is
nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
-- Antoine de Saint Exupery
--
Lee Hart, 814 8th Ave N, Sartell MN 56377, www.sunrise-ev.com
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