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Notes:
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With 4 batteries in the
front, the added weight would be 328 LBS.
The plans are to get the car on the road quickly and with minimal
modification. There is ample room in the front of the super beetle
layout for several batteries, but the consequences in handling, etc.
may cause a reversal in plans. It is still not known how many
batteries
will be required for acceptable range and speed. This is my
first
conversion, and my requirements are 55MPH or less and a range of
20 miles would be acceptable (without running the batteries down too
far) .
I plan on showing the car at the 2006 old car show and when people ask
"how far will it go" if I tell them 20 miles they would think
the car was
useless. Most people don't realize that 20 - 30 miles between
charges is
more than adequate for most of us. Using minimal batteries
(keeping weight
down) should make the car more efficient, cheaper to build, and less
costly
battery replacement. On the other side of the coin, if I go for
the full 8 batteries
instead of 5-7 as originally planned, I can get maximum range,
acceleration,
and battery wear. The tradeoff is a heaver, more complex and more
expensive
conversion. If I go with the 96 volts, I can get a better idea of
EV range with the
motor, batteries, and aerodynamics and overall weight of the Beetle.
As a side benefit, I estimate the possibility of 80 miles max range
bragging rights.
I'm sure several at the car show would still be less than impressed by
the battery
limitations. I guess those people would be happier to see a little
generator on board
to provide unlimited range. My driving needs do not require such
distance driving.
It all goes back to will it take you were you need to go, and will it be
sufficiently charged when you are ready to drive. |
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