Electric motorcycle dragster video

Check out this lightning bolt. Power band? We don't need no stinkin' power band!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNkJCdEEzpM

Ford's new electric debuting in 2011

Designed and built almost entirely by an outside supplier - in Canada!

http://money.cnn.com/2009/03/20/autos/ford_electric/index.htm?postversion=2009032005

Another article about Better Place, an electric car infrastructure company. They're all about replacing gas stations with charge stations.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/03/16/sunday/main4869332.shtml

Power brakes are back!

Today I installed a new switch for the brake booster, and put a shock absorber between the brake booster motor mount and the battery rack - basically a thick rag. My theory was that, with movement and vibration, the old switch would get stuck on, and run the motor constantly, which was VERY annoying - the vacuum motor has to be the loudest thing in the car at this point. The new switch doesn't get stuck on, but before I installed the rag it did seem to stay on a LONG time before shutting off.

If it is only on for short stints to replace the vacuum in the reservoir, then it is tolerable, and I am now at that point with the shock absorber - yay! Power brakes again - I love it.

I also took the time to check the front batteries for voltages, fluid and hydrometer readings (rear batteries tomorrow). All 8 look good at 6.5V / ~1.250 sg. The overall rest voltage for the pack is 102.5V, which implies ~6.4V for each of the 16 batteries. Either I have some voltage drop across the 2/0 cables (expected), or something's fishy in the one or more of the back 8 (NOT expected) - more tomorrow.

If it's decent weather tomorrow, perhaps I'll make a video of driving Electro around!

The Equalizer!

Now that the inclement weather has disappeared (again), I am again driving Electro to work. I have noticed some changes in the power while driving, and I suspect it may be time to equalize the battery pack.

I had read that an equalization charge was needed once in a while, but the frequency of the equalization charge varied in who was talking. The common wisdom is once a month.

Equalization charge for a flooded battery is driving the voltage up to 2.6VPC, or 124.5V for a 96V pack. The purpose is to make sure all cells (even the weaker ones) are fully charged. It is hard on the cells, hence the low frequency. So tonight I am the Equalizer. We'll see how it goes.

Good news, I found my video camera after losing it. This means I can post more videos in the weeks to come - stay tuned.

Check out the new Electric Mini Cooper

http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/video_player.shtml?vid=1052621

They don't mention cost, but I heard that they lease for ~$800 each. Yikes.