November 29, 2007 by Rob.

The RAVolt turned 148k today!  That’s 1600 electric miles and 64 gallons of gas offset assuming the RAV4 got 25 MPG.  That’s exactly two Hummer gas tanks worth for those of you keeping score in the EV vs. Hummer smack down.

I checked the mileage on my gasser and I’ve also driven that car 1600 miles since the RAVolt conversion.  Coincidence?  Totally.

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November 29, 2007 by Rob.

The RAVolt appeared sufficiently repentant to take a short drive so I played electric bus today by driving our middle school carpool. Considering the fragile cargo, I thoughtfully preheated the car. This handy box heater with thermostat was just what the electrician ordered! It’s amazing how warm the car stays if it’s been preheated and equally amazing how fast it cools off when the kids are unloading with the doors open.

Posted in Daily Use, Improvements, Pictures | 1 Comment »

November 29, 2007 by Rob.

I’m thinking through why my batteries died yesterday and my current theory is that cold batteries do not charge well. I already know that cold batteries produce less power, but I suspect that they may not charge as well too. I’m going to dig around a little and see if I can verify that.

BTW: recharging over-used batteries stinks, literally. The RAVolt got that strong sulfur battery stress smell during charging today. That means that tonight is the perfect night for double helpings of Laura’s famous 12 bean chili.

Posted in Improvements | 1 Comment »

November 29, 2007 by Rob.

RAVolt and sister EVs of the AustinEV group will be out in force at Saturday’s 12/1 Sustainable Shoppers’ Ball.  The ball held in conjunction with the weekly Sunset Valley Farmers’ Market at the Tony Berger Center (near 360/290 and Brodie Lane).

I know you want to come just to see me, but there is other Eco-friendly green feel-the-environment-love stuff there too.  We went (sans EV) last year and had a good time.

Posted in Green Tech, Pictures, Storyline, AustinEV | No Comments »

November 29, 2007 by Rob.

I thought that the group would like to know that I’ve been issued the first Austin Energy Electric Vehicles Rebate Program check for an EV conversion: File # EC0001 for $250.  This is proof positive of their deep conviction in supporting grid vehicles and alternative energy.   The money is great, but the sentiment is even better!  I love Austin!

I’ve scanned the letter and check for you ogle.  Many thanks to the AustinEV group for helping make this available to conversions!

Posted in Pictures, AustinEV, Legal | 3 Comments »

November 28, 2007 by Rob.

Just a quick update…My buddy, Paul B, gave me a lift back to car and was prepared to tow it if needed.  With warmer temperatures the batteries had recovered enough to drive (slowly) all the way back home.  The RAVolt is now happily having an electron cocktail in its customary roost.

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November 28, 2007 by Rob.

Today was a very sad first for the RAVolt and I: my batteries died on my way home and I had to call Laura for a ride. I had a feeling when I left that I did not have a full charge, but pushed ahead anyway. I suspected that the batteries where not as strong on cold days (today was 40s)  and I ignored the warning signs.

An important note is that my homebound commute has a long stretch of up-up-and-more-up hill. By the time I hit the long hill, my batteries were already sagging hard. I ultimately had to pull over to the shoulder and crawl up the entire hill (from 360 Bridge up to Wild Basin). That was a long dark and slow trek with traffic whizzing by while the RAVolt was humming “I think I can, I think I can, Iiiiii thiiiiinnnnk Iiiii caaaaaaaaannnnnn.”

I’m hoping that the batteries are recovered enough that I can make it up the last hill and then coast home tomorrow. I’m going to grab a buddy at work and (if needed) use my gasser to give me a push. I’d though about towing the RAVolt, but I feel like I’m so close that a little patience and pushing will let me go the distance, since I’m not going for speed. Unfortunately, I doubt it will be a piece of Cake (listen to reference).

  A dark and lonely RAVolt waiting for daylight.

Posted in Daily Use, Pictures, Storyline | 1 Comment »

November 26, 2007 by Rob.

I bought myself a little heater / defroster from Fry’s last week. It was just $10 and has already proven to be valuable. It’s not very powerful, but it does the trick to defrost the windshield or warm up my hands.

I especially liked that Fry’s sticker described the heater as “for heat w/o engine.” I’m certain that they did not mean it was a heater for cars without engines, but it describes my application perfectly! Fry’s can caulk up one sale due to poor English.

Note: That little heater is pretty minor so I’m considering putting an AC box heater in the car to warm it up on cold mornings. That would make it nice and toasty!

Posted in Daily Use, Parts, Improvements, Pictures | 1 Comment »

November 26, 2007 by Rob.

I had a scary ride home in the rain, cold, and dark over the weekend.  My auxiliary battery was so weak that my DC-DC charger cut out.  That left me with very dim headlights, minimal wipers, and no defroster.  I jumper cabled in one of the traction batteries and recovered, but it was not very fun to be playing with the cables in the rain.

It turns out that the 10 amp fuse between my auxiliary charger and the auxiliary battery blew out a while back.  When the fuse is blown, the battery vent fans run off the auxiliary battery instead of the charger and eventually drain it during charging.  Unfortunately, I discovered it was the fuse only after replacing the charger.  What a waste of 2 hours on a Sunday!

Posted in Safety, Daily Use, Storyline | No Comments »

November 22, 2007 by Rob.

Sagging sucks! Sagging is the term for the voltage drop batteries experience while delivering current. Fresh batteries have minimal sag while dead batteries may look like they have charge but will sag way way down if you use them. That makes it hard to really know how much power you’ve got available.

When my batteries are low they sag way down (50% of full voltage) and the RAVolt creeps slower and slower. The more you stress them, the more they sag. Around town it’s fine, but it’s no fun to be climbing hills on MoPac or 360 with low batteries. Tired batteries like a little rest and pulling high amps on a hill is hard work!

I saw a thread moaning about this on the EVDL and I believe that it’s the #1 reason why EVs are not ready for the mass market. It’s a downer that the RAVolt’s performance degrades as I drive it. This not about limiting total distance, it’s about the last 25% of my drive being slower than the first 75%.

While I live with it daily, I also recognize that its a hurdle for EVs to overcome. Anyone want to buy me some Lithium batteries?

NOTE: I want to clarify that not all batteries have the same discharge characteristic. Before EVeryone flames me - I’m speaking from my experience with floodies (flooded lead-acid). Please chime in if you have different experience with other chemistries!

Posted in Daily Use | No Comments »