Date:         Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:35:18 -0400
Reply-To:     Allan Streib <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Allan Streib <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
Subject:      Re: eBus project: A T2 Westfalia converted with electric motor
              and LiIon batteries.
Comments: To: Bob Stevens <mtbiker62@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <586a66170903160816x1c50c4f0hb3acea3027af7d09@mail.gmail.com>
              (Bob Stevens's message of "Mon\, 16 Mar 2009 09\:16\:16 -0600")
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Bob Stevens <mtbiker62@GMAIL.COM> writes:

> And from a practical standpoint, not only the range of this vehicle,
> but how fast it will travel?
> I'm wondering if it can be used legally on freeways by achieving
> minimum legal freeway speeds and maintaining them for a time period
> that makes this conversion a legitimate alternative to OE or other
> combustion engine conversions, prior to needing recharge, and length
> of time to full charge.

Just guessing, but I'd say most likely no.  Most homebrew EV conversions
I've read about have a range of about 20 miles at moderate speeds.
Enough for a commute to work, MAYBE, and back if your work will let you
charge the vehicle while you're there.

I mean even the upcoming Chevy Volt with all the technical and
engineering resources of GM only has a range of 40 miles on battery
power.

The technology is improving all the time.  This is the first one I've
read of that did not use lead acid batteries (but admittedly I don't
"follow" this stuff very closely).  I certainly encourage anyone doing
this kind of project but it's still more or less fantasy-land to think
that it's something that most people would consider "practical"

Allan
--
1991 Vanagon GL