Island Roadrunner in 4th of July Parade Rear Door Wind Fairing DetailLocal Coffee Shop Patrons Trying Out IslModified Battery Pack - SLA-AGM with eleUltralight Aircraft Seat and HarnessModified Bicycle Trailer2-12VDC LED Headlights - wired for 24VDCCustom 24VDC Windshield Wiper
OwnerFred Garvey
LocationAlameda, California US map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle2004 HCF Modified HCF-305 Mobility Scooter
Weighing in at under 200#, with a cruising speed of 14mph and a maximum operating radius of 8 miles, the "Island Roadrunner" is the lightest, busiest electric vehicle in Alameda, California.
Motor SanDar (2004-11-30) Permanent Magnet DC
Output: 600 Watts Max.
Weight: about 7 pounds.
Voltage: Operating Range: 15~32Volts DC
Nominal: 24Volts constant
No Load RPM: 3,700rpm
Drivetrain24VDC 600 watt brushed motor (.8hp) with cogged Optibelt-Omega belt drive to 5th power wheel.
Controller CE24V305
Batteries4 Power Sonic PSH-12180NB-FR, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, AGM
Brand new SLA-AGM batteries were broken open (voiding the warranty) and flooded with standard battery electrolyte solution, to successfully survive repeated fast discharge cycles.
System Voltage24 Volts
Charger CTE-4C24040
CTE Corporation
Heaternone
DC/DC Converter CE24V305 electronic controller
The onboard CE24V305 electronic controller provides an isolated 24vdc power source for accessories.
Instrumentation- Digital speedometer/odometer
- LED battery pack indicator
- Digital motor temperature indicator
Top Speed15 MPH (24 KPH)
15mph
14mph with trailer
Acceleration0 to 15mph in 6 seconds (without the trailer).
Range16 Miles (25 Kilometers)
16 miles maximum range (= 8 miles radius) in the open country (no stop-and-go) @ 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
12 miles maximum range (=6 miles radius) in stop-and-go neighborhood traffic. Both ranges are for normal paved surfaces.
Watt Hours/Mile51 Wh/Mile
Calculations based on a 24 Volt, 42 amp hour battery pack, that the electronic controller shuts down when power drops to 40% capacity = 25 usable amp hours, in moderately stop-and-go traffic situations.
EV Miles
Current:950 Miles (1,528 Kilometers)
Seating Capacityone
Curb Weight190 Pounds (86 Kilograms)
Includes battery pack (52 pounds).
Tires2-1/4" x 12-1/2"
Conversion Timeone year
Conversion Cost$ 2,500.00
Additional FeaturesLight weight bicycle trailer was modified into a flatbed, with a 80# payload capacity.

Vehicle modified with an ultralight aircraft seat and harness for comfort, stability, and protection.

This vehicle is classified as a "Light Electric Vehicle": A new breed of efficient, lean-and-mean machines that weigh little more than the passenger(s). The issue with most electric vehicles these days is that they often weigh in at 2,000 pounds or more. And such a vehicle has the daunting obstacle of simply transporting itself, which is, at best, a losing battle.
Everywhere I drive this odd duck people approach me, wanting to buy one. I politely tell them that I would starve if I made these things for a living.

This project is not unlike my radio control model aircraft: It's a true labor of love -that requires a considerable amount of research and tinkering to keep everything running smoothly. But the casual bystander only sees a cute, reliable vehicle that quickly and effortlessly runs errands all over town. And it would be a quite a stretch to assume that this vehicle is anywhere near ready for the mass market.

Like many members in my local Electric Auto Association, I see my electric vehicle as a toy and a joy, and certainly not yet a viable substitute for an internal combustion engine vehicle. But we try.

code by jerry