Juan lifting engineSuspension beefed upThe SlingUS2000 traction batteriesMajor Component LayoutBatts in the Bed
OwnerSteve Kobb
LocationHouston, Texas US map
Email email image
Vehicle2002 Chevrolet S-10
Shortbed
MotorAdvanced DC FB-4001A Series Wound DC
Speed sensor to be installed on front shaft.
DrivetrainManual 5-speed
ControllerDC Power Systems Raptor 1200
Batteries26 US Battery US2000, 6.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
Plus one Optima Blue Top to power the low-voltage system.
System Voltage156 Volts
ChargerRussco 156 volt model
Comes with a transformer to get it up to 156 volts.
HeaterAmbient heat is quite sufficient, thank you.
DC/DC ConverterIota 45 amp
96-180 VDC in, 12 VDC out
InstrumentationLink 10, prescaler, voltmeter, and ammeter.
Top Speed60 MPH (96 KPH)
I hope to keep up with Houston freeway traffic, which is about 60 MPH (on a good day!).
AccelerationI need to cross 3 lanes to get onto I-10. Hopefully, my truck will be peppy enough to do that with ease.
Range35 Miles (56 Kilometers)
My range GOAL is 25 to 35 miles on a single charge.

Important points:
-- I'm assuming a 50% Depth of Discharge on the batteries

-- I will be charging at work... just to add a little extra juice.

11/20/2007:
Here's the math that I used -- with various assumptions about watt-hrs per mile:

ah = amp hours at the C20 rate
1hr = 1 hour Peukert correction factor

((# of batteries x voltage x C20 ah x 50% DOD x Peukert correction for 1hr discharge) divided by watt-hours per mile )

(26 x 6 x 216 x .5 x .57)/250 = 38.41
(26 x 6 x 216 x .5 x .57)/300 = 32.01
(26 x 6 x 216 x .5 x .57)/350 = 27.44
EV Miles
Start:80,000 Miles (128,720 Kilometers)
Current:80,000 Miles (128,720 Kilometers)
Total:0 Miles (0 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity2 adults
Curb Weight3,016 Pounds (1,370 Kilograms)
GVWR is 4200 lbs.

I weighed in BEFORE pulling out the engine, fuel tank, and related items: 3040 lbs.

I weighed in AFTER pulling out everything: 2600 lbs.
TiresHaven't decided yet.
Conversion Time1 year so far.
Conversion CostEstimating around $21,000, which includes $6,200 for the truck purchase.
Additional Features180vdc motor will run both the A/C compressor AND the power steering pump.

Flow-Rite battery watering system.
So why am I doing this? Well, all the usual reasons (environmental, dependency on oil, etc.)... plus one more.

The August 2007 issue of Wired Magazine had an interview with my favorite DIY Philosopher -- Martha Stewart. She made a comment worth remembering...

[WIRED MAGAZINE INTERVIEWER:]
One reason people like projects is because they get a sense of control over their environment and technology. It gives them ownership.

[MARTHA STEWART:]
That's why I say, "You own it if you made it." You don't own the pie if you buy it. You just don't. Doing projects really gives people self-confidence. Nothing is better than taking the pie out of the oven. What it does for you personally, and for your family's idea of you, is something you can't buy.

code by jerry