OwnerMorten Busklein
Owner's Other EVs1970 General Electric Elec-Trak E-15
1992 Chevrolet Blazer
LocationFrosta, Nord-Trondelag Norway map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1996 Volkswagen Golf CitiStromer
MotorSiemens 27kw (I think), 3-Phase AC
DrivetrainElectric motor mated to 5 speed manual transmission
ControllerSiemens Simovert long inverter
Batteries16 Thunder Sky 80ah 12v blocks in parallel/series., 12.00 Volt, Lithium-Ion
Just converted the car from the original 16x6v sealed lead
batteries to LiFeYPo4 on Jan 1, 2010. So far, I am very
pleased with the performance. Far superior to lead, and
much lighter (400kg/800lbs lighter). Higher voltage helps
as well. June, 2010, a second set of batteries added to
extend range. It is now an ev with very impressive
performance/range.
System Voltage105 Volts
ChargerSiemens
Original charger works with the new lithium batteries. The
charger charges at a 3kw rate. This means I recoup 8km of
driving per 1 hour of charge.
HeaterEberspacher diesel powered heater
DC/DC ConverterSiemens
Built into the Simovert inverter
Instrumentationlimited...just kph and rpm, no economy gage.
Top Speed70 MPH (112 KPH)
70 mph/110kph on flat ground
AccelerationGood now with lithium batteries
Range65 Miles (104 Kilometers)
Expected summertime range max 140km.
However, I will try to keep the batteries above 70% dod to
prolong life. This means driving 100km max between
charges. Due to the many hills I have to climb, my range is
limited. On flat ground at 60kph, I could probably drive
over 150km.
Watt Hours/Milethe car uses between approx 250watts/km. Slightly higher
in winter.
EV Miles
Current:60,000 Miles (96,540 Kilometers)
 
    As of 10/25/2010
Seating Capacity5
Additional FeaturesSiemens Simovert controller for dc-dc inverting, dc-ac power for the motor, + more.
This is the single most expensive part on the car.
With the lithium batteries, the car is more like a gasoline powered car. Similar
acceleration. I have not driven in warmer temperatures with the new batteries. I have
observed some issues with the batteries in winter; the batteries start off a little weak,
but improve with driving. I believe the internal resistance is reduced as they start
warming up from use. Also, the voltage gets pretty low at first. If I lived in an area
without hills, this would not be a problem, but my first 4km in any direction is uphill.
The lithium batteries only took up 1/3 of the space that the lead batteries took up, so
my plans are to add another 8 batteries, and possibly 8 more again later. They are
expensive, so I can't do it all at once. With a second set of 8 batteries in the car, I will
have a 100km range at 70%dod. That will be sufficient for me. I will probably not
add a 3rd set to this car, but rather swap out the lead acid in the El-Blazer for lithium.

Update. With the second set of batteries, the battery voltage doesn't seem to be affected
much. I can have full power available without concern of exceeding the battery
discharge limits.

code by jerry