Introducing the Electric Duster Project

(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? Wouldn’t that have cut down on the weight and volume?

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It's strictly a battery phenomenon. I'm sot sure how it works (probably chemical) but all rechargeable batteries seem to do it. If you run your 12 volt down so it won't turn your starter, wait an hour, try again and it will turn the starter a while longer. The rechargeable AA batteries in my digital camera work the same way.

The reason for using 6 volt batteries in the car is storage capacity. Two 6 volt deep cycle batteries can store quite a bit more than one 12 volt can. In EVs, storage capacity (amp hours) is directly proportional to the amount (weight) of lead that you have. Storage capacity translates to range, total voltage translates to speed. Therefore, 156 volts with 6 volt batteries will have a much longer range than 156 volts using 12 volt batteries - both at the same speed. My whole design approach was trying to find a balance between volts, amp hours, and total weight that would combine into a speed and range I could utilize (and not just be a novelty).

I'm with you on them not wanting/letting people produce their own power. They will probably find a way to tax the sunlight you receive :) Still, after looking at all other options, even growing/distilling my own biofuel (thinking outside the box), electricity seems the only source with hope in the foreseeable future.