Juan lifting engineSuspension beefed upThe SlingUS2000 traction batteriesBatts in the Bed
OwnerSteve Kobb
LocationHouston, Texas US map
Email email image
Vehicle2002 Chevrolet S-10
Shortbed
MotorAdvanced DC FB-4001A Series Wound DC
Speed sensor installed on front shaft.
DrivetrainManual 5-speed
ControllerDC Power Systems Raptor 1200
Batteries26 US Battery US2000, 6.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
Plus one Optima Blue Top to power the
low-voltage system.
System Voltage156 Volts
ChargerRussco 156 volt model
Comes with a transformer to get it up
to 156 volts.
HeaterAmbient heat is quite sufficient, thank
you.
DC/DC ConverterIota 45 amp
96-180 VDC in, 12 VDC out

InstrumentationLink 10, voltmeter, and two ammeters.
Top Speed60 MPH (96 KPH)
I hope to keep up with Houston freeway
traffic, which is about 60 MPH (on a
good day!).
AccelerationI need to cross 3 lanes to get onto I-
10. Hopefully, my truck will be peppy
enough to do that with ease.
Range35 Miles (56 Kilometers)
My range GOAL is 25 to 35 miles on a
single charge.

Important points:
-- I'm assuming a 50% Depth of
Discharge on the batteries

-- I will be charging at work... just
to add a little extra juice.

11/20/2007:
Here's the math that I used -- with
various assumptions about watt-hrs per
mile:

ah = amp hours at the C20 rate
1hr = 1 hour Peukert correction factor

((# of batteries x voltage x C20 ah x
50% DOD x Peukert correction for 1hr
discharge) divided by watt-hours per
mile )

(26 x 6 x 216 x .5 x .57)/250 = 38.41
(26 x 6 x 216 x .5 x .57)/300 = 32.01
(26 x 6 x 216 x .5 x .57)/350 = 27.44
EV Miles
Start:80,000 Miles (128,720 Kilometers)
Current:80,200 Miles (129,041 Kilometers)
Total:200 Miles (321 Kilometers)
 
    As of 4/26/2009
Seating Capacity2 adults
Curb Weight3,016 Pounds (1,370 Kilograms)
GVWR is 4200 lbs.

I weighed in BEFORE pulling out the
engine, fuel tank, and related items:
3040 lbs.

I weighed in AFTER pulling out
everything: 2600 lbs.
TiresYokohama Geolandars. Great light-truck
tires to support the weight.
Conversion Time1.5 years so far.
Conversion CostEstimating around $23,000, which
includes $6,200 for the truck purchase.
Additional FeaturesGeneral Electric 180vdc motor to run the A/C compressor.

2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder power steering pump.

Flow-Rite battery watering system.

Monroe coil-over shocks in the rear.
April 20, 2009: The MR2 power steering pump is fabulous.
Very quiet, and it works like a charm.

January 27, 2009: I'm rolling! Got an inspection sticker,
too!

August 30, 2008: Last night -- at 4:30 in the morning --
the truck rolled under its own power for the first time.

YAHOO!! (And I don't mean "dot com".)

We did some temporary wiring things just to get it up my
steep driveway and into the garage... BUT! -- before we
put our tools away, we took the truck for a spin around
the block.

What an experience. Can't wait to finish up the remaining
items on my to-do list and take this vehicle for a longer
drive next time.

-------------------------------------------------
So why am I doing this? Well, all the usual reasons
(environmental, dependency on oil, etc.)... plus one
more.

The August 2007 issue of Wired Magazine had an interview
with my favorite DIY Philosopher -- Martha Stewart. She
made a comment worth remembering...

[WIRED MAGAZINE INTERVIEWER:]
One reason people like projects is because they get a
sense of control over their environment and technology.
It gives them ownership.

[MARTHA STEWART:]
That's why I say, "You own it if you made it." You don't
own the pie if you buy it. You just don't. Doing projects
really gives people self-confidence. Nothing is better
than taking the pie out of the oven. What it does for you
personally, and for your family's idea of you, is
something you can't buy.

code by jerry