Instrument PanelDC-DC ConverterLED Battery IndicatorFiero Trunk Area
OwnerKen Lange
LocationSanta Rosa, California United States map
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VehiclePontiac Fiero
MotorKostov 11 inch Series Wound DC
Drivetrain5 Speed Manual with Clutch
ControllerCafe Electric Zilla 1K HV
Batteries24 Optima 750 DS, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, AGM
Yellow Top
System Voltage288 Volts
ChargerZivan NG3 as backup
Main charger home built: Isolated, PFC, 3 KW charger with individual outputs per battery. USB/RS232 receives charging data with a terminal program. Charging parameters are individually programmable.
HeaterHolmquist Ceramic
DC/DC ConverterVicor
40 Amp Vicor-based with 3 modules.
Instrumentationa) Emeter b) Ammeter c) Pack Voltmeter d) "Fuel" Gauge (Amp-hours) e) individual LED strip battery voltage monitor.
Top SpeedStill accelerating at 70 MPH.
AccelerationLots of pep. Good acceleration at 70. Stopped there. Good acceleration at 40 going up 10% grade.
Range30 Miles (48 Kilometers)
Not tested yet, but went 28 miles with good battery left. My driving has hills and stoplights which affect range a lot.
Watt Hours/Mile300 Wh/Mile
1 A-h / Mile
EV Miles
Current:7,700 Miles (12,389 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity2 adults
Curb Weight3,600 Pounds (1,636 Kilograms)
estimated
TiresGoodyear Integrity 45 lbs (Old recommendation from Bill Egan at Goodyear)
Conversion TimeLots
Conversion CostLots
The Fiero started out its EV life with a string of 12 Optima battery pairs for 144 volts. The battery pairs never charged very balanced and thus had a limited life. Charger was an NG5. It had an air-cooled Auburn Kodiak controller. The setup was a challenge going up my 10-13% grade hill any faster than about 30 MPH.

The single battery string of 288 volts is MUCH better.

code by jerry