Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckm
Yeah... I've started running the numbers. I'm estimating I'll spend about $1300-1500 per year on gas. I'm figuring I'd have to spend a minimum of $750 to get a system in place. I'm estimating a three year payback... ouch!
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You could build a system out of 4x 36v dewalt batteries ($400) + a 36v 100a motor controller for a scooter ($100) that has ~330watt-hours of juice. Enough for ~23 Amps at 14v for one hour. More than an hour in the car and you can switch the alt coil back on without any further MPG hit because your battery is still charged as normal. The system would only weigh a little over 10 lbs and could easily be used elsewhere for drills, e-bike, scooter, etc
I'd go for a little more power, personally, but if you're worried about payback time then you want to choose a pack size that will be depleted in a normal commute and no more. That would net the maximum return for the least initial expenditure. That 80% extra for 2x the range doesn't make sense if you'd only use it 5% of the time. Numbers are fun
