STATE-OF-THE ART ELECTRIC VEHICLE CONVERSION

(Page 2 of 2)

May/June 1982
By the Mother Earth News editors 
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

We found the vehicle looking as clean and well detailed as the plans book had indicated that it would. The car was set up with a Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) system and a single bank of 6-volt deep-cycle batteries, which provide 72 volts to a 15-HP General Electric traction motor.

RELATED CONTENT

The Chevette exhibited good acceleration, even when started in second gear. We did notice that current draws were initially in the 400-amp range, but these dropped off drastically as the car gained momentum. At a steady 25 and 30 MPH, for example, the draws were approximately 150 and 200 amps, respectively. Therefore, if the operator employs moderate driving techniques, the vehicle will deliver a 30- to 40-mile range on a single charge. (During slightly more rigorous testing, we found that the Chevette was quite capable of achieving speeds of up to 60 MPH.)

All in all, then, the Flight Systems car was a very tractable and comfortable machine (a low whine from the SCR, which diminished with increased speed, was the only reminder that the vehicle was powered by electricity), which is worthy of the consideration of anyone who's planning to build a quality electric vehicle. And because we felt that many of you folks would be interested in these excellent plans, we've made arrangements with Flight Systems to offer the packages to MOTHER-readers at the price of $17.50 apiece (postpaid). You can order by sending that sum (be sure to specify Chevette, Pinto, or VW beetle) to Flight Systems Plans, c/o Mother's Plans, P.O. Box A, East Flat Rock, North Carolina 28726 ... or by calling Flight Systems' toll-free number, 800/543-3000 (in Ohio, 800/562-1334).

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Electric Vehicle Components Catalog can now be found in some bookstores and libraries . . . or ordered—for S3.50 plus 95¢ shipping and handling—from Mother's Bookshelf®, P. 0. Box 70, Hendersonville, North Carolina 28791.

Page: << Previous 1 | 2 |
Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print

Comments

Add Your Comment

Please note that there is currently a problem with the comments function and your comment may or may not post successfully. We are working to correct the problem and thank you for your patience. 

You can use this comment form to enter your personal experiences or additional information and resources that you'd like to share with Mother Earth News readers. Your helpful advice will be posted on this page.  E-mail addresses are never displayed on comments, but they are required to confirm your comments.

Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.

New to Mother Earth News?
Sign up to share comments.
Asterisks(*) indicate required fields.
Name*
Your name appears next to your comment.

E-mail Address*
This will be your login ID.

City State Zip Code

Password*


Confirm Password*

Comments
1500 character limit (Offensive materials and/or spam will be removed, no HTML allowed)
Please Note: Your sign-up must be verified via e-mail before your comment is published.
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


Subscribe Today - Pay Now & Save 66% Off the Cover Price

First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Lighten the Strain on the Earth and Your Budget

Mother Earth News is the guide to living — as one reader stated — “with little money and abundant happiness.” Every issue is an invaluable guide to leading a more sustainable life, covering ideas from fighting rising energy costs and protecting the environment to avoiding unnecessary spending on processed food. You’ll find tips for slashing heating bills; growing fresh, natural produce at home; and more. Mother Earth News helps you cut costs without sacrificing modern luxuries.

At Mother Earth News, we are dedicated to conserving our planet’s natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. That’s why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our Earth-Friendly automatic renewal savings plan. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $4.95 and get 6 issues of Mother Earth News for only $10.00 (USA only).

You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $14.95 for 6 issues.