7 3/8 x 9 1/4 T echnical / Build Your Own Electric Vehicle / Leitman / 373-2 / Chapter 4
C h a p t e r 4 : T h e B e s t E l e c t r i c Ve h i c l e f o r Yo u Table 4-2 presents all the dimensions of the conversion trade-off: chassis, motor, controller, batteries, and charger versus OK, ideal, best, and unlimited money alternatives. If money is no object, you customize your chassis, add the latest powerful AC induction motor with custom controller, and tool around the countryside powered by nickel metal hydride or lithium polymer batteries towing your power-boost trailer. The rest of us have to take it a bit slower; our movement toward the best category can only proceed as fast as our pocketbooks allow: a pickup, readily-available series DC motor, Curtis PWM controller, lead-acid batteries, and an onboard 120-volt, 20-amp charger. Actually, anything from the OK or ideal column is acceptable. And while I am obviously prejudiced towards pickups, that doesn’t mean you have to be. The point is, use what’s available. DC motors, Curtis controllers, and lead-acid batteries are with us in abundance today and at a reasonable price. While not state of the art, they are proven to work, available from many sources, and you can get lots of help if something goes wrong. By starting with known quantities, your chances of initial success and satisfaction are very high. You can get up and running quickly. When you’re ready for your next conversion, you can experiment a bit, “push the outside of the envelope,” etc. You know what it’s all about, what’s working, and where you’d like to make the changes.
The Procedure Chapters 5 through 9 introduce you to chassis, motors, controllers, batteries, and chargers, and Chapter 12 provides you with some sources to get you started. In Chapter 10, you’ll look over my shoulder while I convert a Ford Ranger, following step-by stepinstructions you can adapt to nearly any conversion you want. Chapter 11 shows you how to maximize the enjoyment of your EV once it’s up and running. Use the Chapter 12 sources—don’t just take my word for it. Join the EAA and subscribe to their newsletter. Read all the books, magazines, and research material you Unlimited What OK Ideal Best money Chassis Van Pickup tr uck Car Custom-built Starship Electrocr uiser Motor DC series DC series DC compound ac induction 19 hp 22 hp 30 hp 50 hp Controller Curtis Custom Custom Custom ac MOSFET PWM IGBT PWM IGBT PWH + IGBT PWM + Regen Regen Batter y Pack 96 volts – 120 volts – 144 volts – 120+ volts – NiCd, 16ea 12 volt 20ea 6 volt 6 or 12 volt NaS, Lithium Lead-Acid Lead-Acid Lead-Acid Polymer Charger 120 volts, 120 volts, 240 volts, 240 volts, 20 amps 20 amps 50 amps 50 amps + Onboard + Onboard + Power boost trailer Table 4-2 Electric Vehicle Con version Decisions Compared
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