Juan lifting engineSuspension beefed upThe SlingUS2000 traction batteriesMajor Component LayoutBatts in the Bed
OwnerSteve Kobb
LocationHouston, Texas US map
Email email image
Vehicle2002 Chevrolet S-10
Shortbed
MotorAdvanced DC FB-4001A Series Wound DC
9/23/07: The motor, tranny, driveshaft, and shifter are in the truck! Makin' progress here.
DrivetrainManual 5-speed
ControllerDC Power Systems Raptor 1200
10/03/07: What a beauty. Can't wait to install it.
Batteries26 US Battery US2000, 6.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
Plus an Optima Blue Top to power the low-voltage system.
System Voltage156 Volts
ChargerRussco 156 volt model
Russ Kauffman has created a new model just for 156v battery packs.
HeaterAmbient heat is quite sufficient, thank you.
DC/DC ConverterIota 45 amp
96-180 VDC in, 12 VDC out
InstrumentationVoltmeter and ammeter.
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:80,000 Miles (128,720 Kilometers)
Total:0 Miles (0 Kilometers)
 
    As of 6/20/2008
Seating Capacity2 adults
Curb Weight4,200 Pounds (1,909 Kilograms)
I weighed in BEFORE pulling out the engine, fuel tank, and related items: 3040 lbs.

I weighed in AFTER pulling out everything: 2600 lbs.
TiresHaven't decided yet, but they will be low rolling-resistance, that's for sure.
Conversion CostEstimating around $21,000, which includes $6,200 for the truck purchase.
Additional Features180vdc motor to run the air conditioning. Power for this motor comes off the traction pack.

Flow-Rite battery watering system.
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