June 23, 2007 by Rob.

After a quick charge, the RAVolt’s first official trip was to visit the director of Austin’s Clean Tech incubator. Joel S. lives up the street and had invited us to dinner before we knew the RAVolt would be on the road tonight.

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June 23, 2007 by Rob.

…and I got one without realizing it!

The “knowledgeable” staff at Home Depot completely missed that the 220 volt plug replacements provide both stove and dryer configurations.  After I already changed the outlet to be a stove style (picture), I opened the plug to see the optional dryer ground pin (shaped like an L instead of an I).  I promptly switched it back because I’m more likely to find 220 dryer outlets in people’s garages for away-from-home recharge.

Posted in Improvements, Pictures | No Comments »

June 23, 2007 by Rob.

After a marathon work session, the RAVolt is rolling (more to come about that. Here is the punch list of items that remain in the short term:

• Run the recharge plug out the gas fill panel
• Wire in the charging vent fans (requires a DC power supply)
• Setup auxiliary battery charging
• Trouble shoot car electronics / low voltage issues (probably need to adjust to DC-DC output)
• Upgrade the charging AC wire to lower gage
• Replace under engine & interior panels
• Protective Plexiglas & fan chamber to prevent accidental shocks
• Move the volt meter connect to other side of the contactor (it should be off when key is off)
• Have Leo inspect brakes, etc.

Longer term items:

• Recharging interlock to prevent drive off while plugged in
• Power steering (needed for Laura)
• Install traction pack breaker (when it arrives)

Posted in Planning | 1 Comment »

June 23, 2007 by Rob.

RAVolt has had her maiden voyage!!!!

Update and video to follow.   Can’t go far yet - I still have the install the charger.

Posted in Storyline, AustinEV, Conversion | 1 Comment »