under the hoodtrunk viewside view of the front
OwnerDavid Peichel
LocationMinneapolis, Minnesota US map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1997 Geo Metro
4 door sedan
MotorAzure Dynamics/Solectria AC24 3-Phase AC
50 hp peak, 17 hp continuous
Drivetrain5 speed manual
ControllerAzure Dynamics/Solectria DMOC445
Digital Motor Controller with regen braking
Batteries13 Deka 8G31DTM, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Gel
Deka Dominator manufactured by East Penn-Deka, 70 lbs each for a total of 900 lbs. These batteries worked well with the original Solectria Forces.
System Voltage156 Volts
ChargerZivan NG3
Setup for 110V power source
HeaterTwo 120 watt window defrosters, one 600 watt heater under the seat, one 60 watt seat heater. Will probably add a lithium battery for supplying the heating power.
DC/DC ConverterCC Power C400
This is rated for an input voltage of 144V +/- 20%. It is kept out of circuit by some relays during the charging cycle since the charging voltages exceed this range.
InstrumentationXantrex Link 10 battery pack monitor
Top Speed70 MPH (112 KPH)
AccelerationSimilar to original geo metro.
Range50 Miles (80 Kilometers)
Maybe more if more non-freeway driving is included. I hope to publish more detailed data once I have more miles on the vehicle.
Watt Hours/Mile175 Wh/Mile
This is the advertised efficiency, but I think you only get this at less than freeway speeds. Just added the lower rolling resistance tires so we'll see where we are at soon.
EV Miles
Start:87,780 Miles (141,238 Kilometers)
Current:88,300 Miles (142,074 Kilometers)
Total:520 Miles (836 Kilometers)
 
    As of 9/14/2008
Seating Capacity4 adults
Curb Weight2,700 Pounds (1,227 Kilograms)
I haven't weighed the complete vehicle yet, but this should be pretty close.
TiresGoodyear Integrity 175/70R14
Conversion Time~200-300 hours
Conversion Cost$15,500 included car and conversion parts, batteries were another $2700
Additional FeaturesUpgraded to 14" rims for lower rolling resistance tires. The kit included upgraded rear load springs, and I also installed higher performance rear struts. Battery boxes were fabricated from welded polypropylene. Silicone strip heaters will be used to keep the batteries warm in the winter if the car is parked over the weekend.
So far the batteries are staying well balanced without a battery balancer. I have a 13 position switch and wires to each battery which allow me to easily track the battery voltages.

code by jerry