Introducing the Electric Duster Project

ABodySickness said
My choice to do it was because it will work for my situation and it was the only alternative that will actually pay for itself over time [clipped to save space] So my decision was strictly economics - at least at first. Since I have begun this project though, I have discovered it to be something more - a challenge I guess. I think I have been more enthused about working on this than any of my past Mopar projects.

Dont get me wrong, its not that I think you shouldnt do this; its just not for me. I understand the drive to do something like it, though. I have been trying to build a turbo slant for some time now because I want to be able to drive my old Mopar to work every day and not have to pay a 16 mpg (maybe) premium to do it. At the same time, I want to drive something fun (which is why I had a 5 speed turbo FWD commuter that got me 30+ mpg on average and has run a best of 14.7 in the quarter). Most look down on the slant, but I have grown to respect it and see that it can be a powerful, and yet economical, means to the end I want. But I see all kind of people (including a buddy of mine) that shudder at the thought of /6, for any reason. No, I would never say you shouldnt do this, I am only voicing my opinion that it wouldnt work for me, and that Im not convinced it is all it is cracked up to be.

ABodySickness said
As far as charging millions of vehicles, I have read that our current infrastructure could handle it because most of the charging is done at night - off peak hours.

I think that ignores the fact that most people in America live far enough from work that an EV would require charging both at night, and in the morning, and when they get back from lunch, and before the go to the store, etc. And what happens on Friday night when you want to go bar hopping? If it takes 4 hours to charge, you would have to hit it about 6 in the evening to get to more than 2 bars :) . Im not saying this is you, I am only commenting on the state of the union and that I think the thought that EVs would only be charged at night is kind of convenient for anyone trying to sell the world on them (again, not pointed at you, just at the people that came up with the reasoning).

A change of mindset would help that some, but the same change would probably save millions of gallons of gas and I dont see many Americans willing to sacrifice for that.

At the same time, most of the people living in places like downtown Chicago or New York could care less as most of them dont even own a car. I could see that being the future if anything. Move to a large town that offers you public transportation so you can get to work and entertainment so you dont have to travel out of the city, then there is no reason to worry about the lack of gas, while the rich continue to use it without discretion. Dont get me wrong, Im not saying its what I want to do, only that it might be the only option some people really have.

ABodySickness said
My feeling is that electricity is the only power source that we can hope to obtain without someone else controlling the supply and price.

True, but I doubt they will let you get away with producing your own power without charging you for it somehow (sorry, if I sound pessimistic its just because I am O:)).

Besides, if solar chargers dont improve drastically sometime soon, you will be limited to a 25 mile radius from your home if you want to stay off the grid. :p

ABodySickness said
The good news is that if you stop for a while, you regain a certain amount of charge without doing anything. It's like stopping your car and having your tank magically gain gasoline.

(Honest question, not trying to poke holes) How does that work in a conversion vehicle? Is it automatic just by having the motor hooked to the car direct so that when you brake it drags the motor down?

Also, if I remember correctly, you have 26 6volt batteries wired in tandem to generate 156 volts. Why not 13 12volt batteries? Wouldnt that have cut down on the weight and volume?