I haven't been too active on the forum, but that doesn't mean I'm not still into EVs. I just got an email from the forum stating I've lost status here and my points have dropped to 19. OK then, here is the "Reader's Digest" version of my EV activity from 2006 to present.
First, I saw the EV light while working as an Unlimited Tonnage Deck Officer on dynamically position drill rigs. This is a hybrid, (7) diesel gen sets producing 32 MW and (6) 5,000 hp electric thrusters. If currents and winds are high enough, I can burn 1000 gallons of diesel per hour just holding position.
Yours truly
Having left the oil industry with a sour taste as to how they do business, I got involved in EVs, my first stab at it.....
nephew and dad in picture.
Then a range extending trailer to compete in Arizona against the gasser minibikes on a 50 mile run.
Then I bought 5 of these from China and kept one. Top speed 53 mph, looks like a Smart car so cops don't bother me when I use it on roads with a higher than 35 MPH limit. At 50 mph it is going faster than other NEVs.
Also have a Cushman electric truck. In the process of doing an electric kayak, these were just some test 15 a/hr agms, good for 7 miles. I have 200 a/hr Winston lithium on order for a range of 75 miles.
But the biggest project will be a diesel-electric catamaran trawler with 6 KW of solar. I have a offer, if accepted, I'll be refitting with 75 kw/hr lithium batteries.
I hope the above post returns me to active status on this fine forum.
Been a member for almost 7 years, don't want to get booted for lack of activity.
Hi Deckofficer,
I suppose, given your experience of the oil industry (and contacts therein), that you would be in a better place than most to answer the important question as to how much energy goes into refining a gallon of petrol/diesel and particularly electrical energy - not so much 'well to wheel' as 'Here's a map of likely oil reserves. Let's go find it!'. It is such a strong pro-EV issue that to have some definitive answer - if that's possible - would be of much use. Any thoughts?
Your boat sounds interesting. Do you mean it'll have a 75kWh pack? That should give it pretty good range... 40 miles at 8 kts'ish?
Keep us posted, please.
Regards, MW.
Regards, Martin Winlow
Isle of Colonsay, Scotland
evalbum.com/2092
I didn't work on the refining end, so can't tell you the amount of energy needed. I do know that if we were to use what is available now in known discoveries, the by-products of its combustion would make the world unpleasant to live. Would you like to cover yourself head to toe with sun screen and reflective clothes just to venture outside?
As to the boat, will run at 3.9 kt (94 nm per day), 24 hours a day from the 6 kw solar panel exposure of 5.25 hours. A faster passage would require the use of some diesel.
1983 Cushman Metermaid 72 volts 40mph 30 mile range
Etek powered scooter
48 and 72 volt golf carts
2010 Smart Car Electric
http://tbuckets.lefora.com/
"Would you like to cover yourself head to toe with sun screen..." - no I wouldn't! But that's one reason why I've been driving an EV for the last 3 years.
I assume your boat will have some battery storage? If so what type and how much? If you don't want to say, I understand. MW
Regards, Martin Winlow
Isle of Colonsay, Scotland
evalbum.com/2092
Winston lithium (16) 1000a-hr cells in series.
1983 Cushman Metermaid 72 volts 40mph 30 mile range
Etek powered scooter
48 and 72 volt golf carts
2010 Smart Car Electric
http://tbuckets.lefora.com/
Aready 10 Solar E-boat sailed in my city lake,who use our batteries
I might have to start using your batteries too. I have had the Winston cells ordered and paid for from Balqon since 8-24-12.
1983 Cushman Metermaid 72 volts 40mph 30 mile range
Etek powered scooter
48 and 72 volt golf carts
2010 Smart Car Electric
http://tbuckets.lefora.com/
Ok,maybe next time !
There will be a next time as you pointed out in another thread, Balqon sent me cells yesterday that were made April 26, 2010. Thankfully this was a small $880 purchase. When it comes time for the $15K purchase, we will be talking my friend.
1983 Cushman Metermaid 72 volts 40mph 30 mile range
Etek powered scooter
48 and 72 volt golf carts
2010 Smart Car Electric
http://tbuckets.lefora.com/
Keep us in the loop on that, won't you?! MW
Regards, Martin Winlow
Isle of Colonsay, Scotland
evalbum.com/2092
Sure will.
1983 Cushman Metermaid 72 volts 40mph 30 mile range
Etek powered scooter
48 and 72 volt golf carts
2010 Smart Car Electric
http://tbuckets.lefora.com/
Getting back to that Smart Car clone for a moment: is that 53MPH indicated or actual? How is the build quality? I know that Zebras are pretty terrible, but that at least *looks* better. A car like that with a 50+MPH top speed that could cruise at 45 would be welcome in the US - as much as any other EV is, anyway. What's the range?
Build quality is typical China, rather poor. Metal fasteners rust, paint fades, trim is looking tacky. 53 mph by GPS 56 mph by speedo. Range at 35 mph is 50 miles, at 50 mph less than 30 miles.
1983 Cushman Metermaid 72 volts 40mph 30 mile range
Etek powered scooter
48 and 72 volt golf carts
2010 Smart Car Electric
http://tbuckets.lefora.com/
Those ranges and speeds are quite adequate for urban and suburban commuting. If they don't actually fall apart they'd be a welcome import. Somebody could maybe make money importing them and doing quality upgrades to the extent possible...
Since there have been some interest in my China knock off of a electric Smart Car, I'll post some more pictures.
Bringing down from the Port of Tacoma.
Just for fun, at the gas station.
Great as a grocery getter.
Speedo mph on inner circle kph outer circle. Amp gauge up to 400 amps.
1983 Cushman Metermaid 72 volts 40mph 30 mile range
Etek powered scooter
48 and 72 volt golf carts
2010 Smart Car Electric
http://tbuckets.lefora.com/
Nowadays you can buy the official Smart forTwo electric drive, a REAL safe car with all the bells and whistles of a modern car. No need for this badly put together Chinese knock-off...
The first shipment of these copied cars to Germany, still with ICE-drive, was immediately impounded by Mercedes Benz upon unloading at the dock, and smashed to smitherines, due to the blatant product piracy.
My rides:
2017 Zero S ZF6.5 11kW, erider Thunder 5kW
I don't generally approve of Chinese cloning, but if you want to lease an electric Smart Car, it will cost you $600 per month. Probably more like $500 with tax rebate. Between that and the VERY limited production run (250 cars slated for all of North America) I'm not going to shed any tears for Mercedes. For $500 a month you can lease *two* Nissan Leafs, and get four times the car...