Terry Blanton wrote:
These folks convert old junkers:
http://www.e-volks.com/index.html
Wonderful! It is a zany idea, but so were the first backyard hippy wind
turbines in Denmark in the 1980s. A carpenter named Christian Riisager
launched the Danish wind industry with a 22 kW backyard wind turbine, and
now the industry employs 20,000 people and manufactures 3,100 MW
(nameplate) per year, or the equivalent of 1.1 average U.S. nuclear power
plants (actual). See:
http://www.windpower.org/en/pictures/eighties.htm
This site describes a Geo Metro conversion: "This Geo Metro EV has been
clocked at just over 70mph at 96 vdc, with good cooling. The motor consumes
approx. 120-150 amps on flat ground at cruising speed." That is better
performance than the original equipment gasoline engine.
Describing the VW: "The Batteries can also be installed under the back seat
or in the engine compartment if desired.Some have even cut out the top of
the gas tank and installed 4 batteries there. This set-up is fully
upgradeable to higher voltages, up to 96vdc and 16 batteries for a top
speed of 70+ MPH and a range of up to 70 miles per charge. . . . Regen
braking is inherant in this basic kit by simply down shifting , and
watching the amp meter go backwards." I love it!!!
- Jed
