The cold that is settling in here in KC seems to be effecting my range and power. I read about this, but thought it would be a bit later into the cold season that I'd notice a change. I usually find I am at about 50% depth of discharge after my daily commute, but as of now it looks like I'm closer to 70 or 80% discharge (and the suggestion is not to go above 80% DOD much at all). Well, may be time for battery heater wraps or another battery or two. Then again, I could take the bus 1 1/4 hours w/ a transfer and a 15 minute walk for a 9-mile commute...
So, this weekend I'm going to do some additional research to see if I may be having issues with the pack. So far my individual readings show a strong degree of equalization across the pack over time. So, not sure here....suggestions?
Oct 29, 2008
Oct 19, 2008
Turnaround
This weekend we had a block sale where many of us tried to sell our stuff (in some cases successfully). I had my car set out w/ a 'For Sale: Electric VW' sign on it. It generated a lot of questions and two people who took down my number. One of them was uber-excited thinking her son would for sure be interested.
But, I think I am done w/ having it on the market. I think I'm going to keep it. Lots of reasons I won't go into here, but let's just say it is reliable and my concerns about the winter are dwindling. I can always bum a ride or something on those absolutely undrivable days (rare I'm told in this city).
I didn't get around to the bike conversion yet, but there is yet another mode of transport I'm going to be considering that was one of my pre-EV conversion options towards the top of the list: a Vespa or some other low budget 125-150cc scooter. Maybe I should trade off the car and scooter for commuting and get even more life out of the Squareback.
For those of you who don't personally know me, I'm told this is a habit of mine (infinitely exploring options and seeking more ways to make life more complicated). To me it seems a bit complicated to consider many transport options (b/c you increase your overall maintenance needs and 'kipple' factor - see PKD for clarification), but on most days it seems to me that this is the best approach: take the long view, decentralize your technological commitments, and consider what is essential for that task. I rarely _need_ a motor-powered 4 wheel enclosed shell but do want to avoid being totally sweaty when I show up to teach.
But, I think I am done w/ having it on the market. I think I'm going to keep it. Lots of reasons I won't go into here, but let's just say it is reliable and my concerns about the winter are dwindling. I can always bum a ride or something on those absolutely undrivable days (rare I'm told in this city).
I didn't get around to the bike conversion yet, but there is yet another mode of transport I'm going to be considering that was one of my pre-EV conversion options towards the top of the list: a Vespa or some other low budget 125-150cc scooter. Maybe I should trade off the car and scooter for commuting and get even more life out of the Squareback.
For those of you who don't personally know me, I'm told this is a habit of mine (infinitely exploring options and seeking more ways to make life more complicated). To me it seems a bit complicated to consider many transport options (b/c you increase your overall maintenance needs and 'kipple' factor - see PKD for clarification), but on most days it seems to me that this is the best approach: take the long view, decentralize your technological commitments, and consider what is essential for that task. I rarely _need_ a motor-powered 4 wheel enclosed shell but do want to avoid being totally sweaty when I show up to teach.
Oct 17, 2008
Possible buyer?
This weekend someone is actually coming to look at the car for purchase (in this economy???). I am getting cold feet b/c now I'm growing a bit attached to the car and the ease of use/maintenance. Now that the weather is turning cold here, a few mornings I've had some fog/haziness on the windshield and w/ no heat source, it may be time to install something to be able to see well while I'm driving. I'm going to do some investigation on the toaster coil idea under the dash fan. For $10, I could have enough heat instantly generated for quick defrosting. Plus, I need to re-install insulation around the batteries to keep them from getting too cold overnight. I hear they generate enough of their own heat soon into driving, but coldness reduces initial performance power.
On another note (non-EV project idea), I am toying with the idea of converting my standard mountain bike (21-speed) to a single speed (w/ ultimate goal of purchasing a fixed-gear hub). This minimalist ride appeals to my aesthetic sense and low-maintenance approach. While the hills might make this a challenge, I hear it is a great workout (which I need). Notice the lack of wires, jangling components, etc...We'll see if this pans out, but I am realizing that I should stick by my initial thoughts that my 'commuter car' is just that - for my essential transportation needs. I want to mix things up and this new conversion is a way to insure I am not too reliant on non-human powered transport.
On another note (non-EV project idea), I am toying with the idea of converting my standard mountain bike (21-speed) to a single speed (w/ ultimate goal of purchasing a fixed-gear hub). This minimalist ride appeals to my aesthetic sense and low-maintenance approach. While the hills might make this a challenge, I hear it is a great workout (which I need). Notice the lack of wires, jangling components, etc...We'll see if this pans out, but I am realizing that I should stick by my initial thoughts that my 'commuter car' is just that - for my essential transportation needs. I want to mix things up and this new conversion is a way to insure I am not too reliant on non-human powered transport.
Oct 9, 2008
Drivingabout
Not much to report these days but that I put this up for sale on craigslist and EV trading post. Not exactly sure why. Part of me wonders how the winters will be here (ice and all), how long the batteries will last, etc. Mostly uncertainty but it is actually a good thing to have little to report.
It gets me to/from work just fine. The lead-acid batteries are easy to maintain, just a little watering every two weeks or so (takes about 10 minutes for 8 batteries). I plug in right away when I get home but don't start the charge until 11pm. I wired up the outside outlet I plug into to a switch in our kitchen. This way, right when I wake up (around 630am), I can just turn off the switch and the charging stops. It is handy and I bet this winter I'll be glad for it.
One note of caution: I do this partly b/c I haven't installed the vent fans for the battery box yet in the rear (I have no box around the front batteries and have noticed no effects). I figure (uh-oh) that it takes me about 1/2 hr to get to the car and that any leftover hydrogen will have dissipated. This may be a _stupid_ move on my part, but I'm seeing people all over saying that they aren't too chronic about the venting (though they are careful not to overseal the batterypack and are sure to leave the doors open a minute or so before the start driving). So, maybe my approach isn't a good one, but I have yet to figure out how to route the hydrogen/air out of the rear of the vehicle...Suggestions?
I have not gotten pics of the dash yet posted here (as I'm between cell plans so w/o a easily accessible camera), but the ammeter and voltmeters, as they are analog, are running fine. Next time I will get a digital voltmeter. The analog ammeter suits my needs fine as it is something I refer to in hill-climbing and starting from a stop (I try to avoid pegging it to 400amps but keep it around 300-350 while under a harder-than-usual load). The voltmeter though is barely useful as the analog type doesn't get the specificity I need for trouble shooting. When I use my multi-meter (that reads to the hundreth decimal place), I notice the voltmeter is around 2v off.
Otherwise, I finished the underside cover so the motor and controller are rainproof. A huge relief.
It gets me to/from work just fine. The lead-acid batteries are easy to maintain, just a little watering every two weeks or so (takes about 10 minutes for 8 batteries). I plug in right away when I get home but don't start the charge until 11pm. I wired up the outside outlet I plug into to a switch in our kitchen. This way, right when I wake up (around 630am), I can just turn off the switch and the charging stops. It is handy and I bet this winter I'll be glad for it.
One note of caution: I do this partly b/c I haven't installed the vent fans for the battery box yet in the rear (I have no box around the front batteries and have noticed no effects). I figure (uh-oh) that it takes me about 1/2 hr to get to the car and that any leftover hydrogen will have dissipated. This may be a _stupid_ move on my part, but I'm seeing people all over saying that they aren't too chronic about the venting (though they are careful not to overseal the batterypack and are sure to leave the doors open a minute or so before the start driving). So, maybe my approach isn't a good one, but I have yet to figure out how to route the hydrogen/air out of the rear of the vehicle...Suggestions?
I have not gotten pics of the dash yet posted here (as I'm between cell plans so w/o a easily accessible camera), but the ammeter and voltmeters, as they are analog, are running fine. Next time I will get a digital voltmeter. The analog ammeter suits my needs fine as it is something I refer to in hill-climbing and starting from a stop (I try to avoid pegging it to 400amps but keep it around 300-350 while under a harder-than-usual load). The voltmeter though is barely useful as the analog type doesn't get the specificity I need for trouble shooting. When I use my multi-meter (that reads to the hundreth decimal place), I notice the voltmeter is around 2v off.
Otherwise, I finished the underside cover so the motor and controller are rainproof. A huge relief.
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