OwnerDavid Brunson
LocationSpringfield, Illinois US map
Email email image
Vehicle1981 Commuter Vehicles Inc. Comuta-Car
MotorGeneral Electric 6 HP Series Wound DC
ControllerAlltrax 7245
Batteries8 Trojan T-125, 6.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
System Voltage48 Volts
ChargerZivan NG-1
HeaterMotor heat is blown through ducts to defrost and cabin heat vents. It doesn't exactly cook because electric motors don't put out heat like an ICE, but it will actually defrost the windshield...after a long while. Air conditioning is a floor mounted 12V fan which really does a decent job of cooling people even on the warmest days.
DC/DC Converter
None. One accessory battery for car systems, another for a stereo.
InstrumentationUsual auto plus charge meters and an expanded scale voltmeter "fuel" gage.
Top Speed40 MPH (64 KPH)
It stays nicely with traffic in 40 mph speed zones.
AccelerationReasonable. It doesn't exactly push you back in the seat, but it stays up with "normal" drivers.
Range30 Miles (48 Kilometers)
I have never pushed it as far as I could because I believe in being kind to the batteries.
Watt Hours/MileNot tested.
EV Miles
Start:1,300 Miles (2,091 Kilometers)
Current:3,800 Miles (6,114 Kilometers)
Total:2,500 Miles (4,022 Kilometers)
 
    As of 8/17/2006
Seating Capacity2
Curb Weight1,500 Pounds (681 Kilograms)
Tires4.90 x 12 biased ply
Conversion TimeMany hours spend updating original wiring, brakes, charger, batteries, contactors, motor brushes and seals, shocks, wheels, lights, and many other parts. Bringing back any 25 year old car is a job no matter what kind of car it is.
Conversion CostIn total, less than the 1981 asking price.
Additional FeaturesThis car also has the optional sunroof which is fun on nice days.
I haven't had this much fun driving a car since I was 16. These little cars don't exactly have a Cadillac ride, but they are fantastic in their own way. I drive it to work everyday, do all of my errands, and run kids everwhere in it. If you live in an area where 40 mph speed limits are common, this car is very practical and a scream to drive. Besides plugging it in at night and watering the batteries every two weeks, the only other "problem", if you want to call it that, is having to answer everyone's questions. I can't even go to the grocery without people wanting to stop and talk. They follow me taking cell phone pictures and even get out of their cars at stoplights to have a look. It's all pretty cool!

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