Without the ABS bodyNeighborhood joke!
OwnerKurt Colvin
Owner's Other EV1973 Volkswagen Super Beetle
LocationSan Luis Obispo, California United States map
Email email image
Vehicle1980 Sebring-Vanguard Commuta Car
MotorGeneral Electric 6 HP Series Wound DC
Standard motor with new field coils and forced air cooling.
Drivetrain6HP General Electric
ControllerCurtis 1209B-6402 (48-72V, 400 amp)
Batteries6 US Battery 31TMX, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
System Voltage72 Volts
ChargerZivan NG1 with
The Algorithm for the S chip (3 stages):
1st-Full power until voltages reaches 85.3V
2nd-Voltage stays at 85.3V while current drops to 3.5Amps
3rd-Current stays at 3.5A until voltage stops rising
DC/DC ConverterMeanwell Model #: SD-200D-12 (200W, 16.2A)
InstrumentationDigital & Analog voltmeter
Ampmeter
Speedometer
Top Speed49 MPH (78 KPH)
AccelerationModerate. Can keep up with most carbon emitters.
Range20 Miles (32 Kilometers)
Range was not the goal. Max. daily distance driven is about 15 miles. "Light and fast" was my motto.
Watt Hours/MileI drive it flat out all the time. I go about 12 miles and it takes about 5 KWhr to recharge. 5/12 = .417 Kwhr/mile.
EV Miles
Start:12,500 Miles (20,112 Kilometers)
Current:12,700 Miles (20,434 Kilometers)
Total:200 Miles (321 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity1.5 adults
Curb Weight1,100 Pounds (499 Kilograms)
Lighter than most Ccars. Only 6 batteries at 65 lbs. each (390 lbs)
Tires145-R12
Conversion Time4 years (rebuild)
Additional FeaturesCustom interior to fit my 6'6" body. Custom seat mounted waaaaay back.

6, 12 volt batteries. I cut down the battery boxes so they are almost within the car frame (each hold 2 batteries). Makes it look more like a Citicar than a Commutacar. There are 2 batteries under the seat.

A real kick to drive.
I did all the work myself and enjoyed learning about EVs.
Draws too much attention.
My kids love it.
Thanks to the CCar community for all the help.
Makes me feel good not to run an internal combustion engine.
Sold it in early 2007 to buy a Corbin Sparrow!

code by jerry