Electric
Vehicles
Common Questions about converting existing vehicles
What kind of vehicles can be converted ?
How much does is cost to convert a vehicle ?
How fast will an electric vehicle go ?
How far can an electric vehicle go on a single charge ?
How long does it take to charge an Electric Conversion Vehicle ?
How long does it take to do a conversion ?
Will I be able to keep my air conditioning ?
Any other questions please feel free to email kent.barnes@bellsouth.net
What kind of vehicles can be converted ?
Just about any vehicle can be converted but the best candidates are lightweight cars and pickups. A lot depends on the main use for the vehicle. There is always a trade off on vehicle weight versus distance. The maximum range can usually be achieved with the small pickups as they have room for more batteries and can carry the added weight.
How much does it cost to convert a vehicle ?
There are several factors that will determine the cost to convert a vehicle. The first factor would be the type, age and condition of the conversion vehicle. Its nice if you can find a small (light weight) vehicle with engine issues. These can usually be purchased at a considerable savings. Try to find a vehicle with little or no rust, a decent paint job and a nice interior. This will save you money in the end and make a very nice looking conversion. Also factor in tax breaks and incentivies. See the chart on annual operating costs here.
The cost to convert an existing vehicle will vary from around $15,000 to $20,000 using the popular flooded lead acid batteries. Batteries are in a state of flux right now. There are other battery options you can choose and you may spend up to $20,000 just for batteries. Most of the higher priced batteries also require a battery management system which is another cost factor.
How fast will an electric vehicle go ?
A converted vehicle is able to keep up with traffic and maintain highway speeds and above. A conversion can be built for efficiency or for speed. Conversion vehicles built for speed will out run gas vehicles in the quarter mile every time.
How far can an electric vehicle go on a single charge ?
The average for conversion vehicles is 35 to 60 miles per charge with the common flooded lead-acid batteries. The distance per charge is determined by battery capacity, vehicle weight and terrain. The average commuter travels less than 40 miles per day.
More and more cities are installing charging stations as well as employers adding charging stations at the work place. In the next few years there will be more and more charging stations around. These charging stations are great for extending your travel distance by opportunity charging.
The travel range can also be extended by using some of the newer but expensive batteries. The choice of batteries will be determined by your range requirements.
How long does it take charge an Electric Conversion Vehicle?
The charging time will vary depending on the battery pack size, type of battery and charger. To completely recharge a common lead acid battery pack with a standard 120 volt, 15 amp charger will take around eight hours or so. With a 240 volt 20 amp charger you can cut the charge time in half to around four hours. There are new chargers coming out that will reduce that charging time to two hours. Look for even shorter charging times in the near future.
How long does it take to do a conversion ?
A typical conversion will usually take 2 weeks if all components are available. This is based on two mechanics doing the work. (Roughly 200 man hours). The time will vary with the type of vehicle being converted, the components chosen, delivery delays and how much fabrication and vehicle reconstruction is required.
Will I be able to keep my air conditioning ?
The answer is yes, but will you really need it? Once you remove the heat generating engine from under the hood and the 1200 degree catalytic converter from under your seat the fan and open windows are usually sufficient. Of course, in hot climates of the Southwest and Florida it may be necessary to have the air conditioner. There are some 12 volt powered air conditioning systems out there but they are pricey. The best option is to run the existing air conditioning compressor off the front pulley of the motor or a seperate electric motor. These options would need to be discussed at the time you order your conversion.
What is the payback time on the investment ?
This question always comes up with electric vehicles. I've never hear anyone ask a car dealer what the payback time is for a gasoline powered car. If there is a payback time it can be calculated based on some universal/average figures. The national average for car mileage in a year is 15,000 miles. Lets assume 15,000 miles with a gasoline powered car that gets 20 miles per gallon. That comes out to 750 gallons of gasoline per year. Multiply that times $4.00 per gallon. That comes out to $3000.00 per year. This does not include oil changes, filter changes, anti-freeze, hoses, spark plugs, etc. A good figure would be that it cost around $15,000 to drive your gas powered car for four years. (Plus the cost of the car) That's close to the cost of a conversion. There are all kinds of other factors and reasons to drive an electric conversion. Generally payback is in the eyes of the beholder.
Kent A Barnes
Telephone 828-279-6839 Email: Kent Barnes
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2009 Kent A. Barnes
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