View Single Post
Old 01-07-2010, 11:20 PM   #350 (permalink)
vpoppv
The $500 Electric Car
 
vpoppv's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Cushing,Oklahoma
Posts: 430
Thanks: 6
Thanked 26 Times in 20 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheSGC View Post
I really don't like this cold weather, but I did two EV runs today. I have this planned testing route, 3.8 miles long, that has stop and go traffic, 35 MPH stretch, inclines and moderate hills. My first run was OK, but I had to watch my voltage sag. My second run, about 2 hours later and mostly fully charged, was MUCH better. I think the batteries require new "break in" cycles after sitting for just a few days, to wake up.

I have to get my batteries to want to do a 17 mile commute, and right now my PakTrakr is indicating I have 12 miles of usable range. I have a ways to go in breaking in this pack.

I have a Home Depot 10 AMP charger that seems to have a desulfator mode, or something like it because it seems to do wonders for batteries.

Do you have like an indoor battery "plant" setup that has all your spares all charged/desulfated and ready to go in case you have unhappy batteries in your EV?
You're right about how much of a personality batteries have needing such extensive break-in all the time. I'm really glad I have such a small commute. For EV2 though, I want a lot more distance. For some reason, I was thinking that your Zilla controller would have been more efficient and would have given you better range? I guess it can also provide more amps for going up hills and such which takes away some distance....
Wow, an INDOOR battery workshop! That'd be awesome! Nope, outside. I have one good group 27 left that just sits: shows 12.59v consistently. I keep the desulfator in the car. Ideally, I'd like 2 desulfators in the car and one for batteries that are sitting. I still have Max (Wal-Mart Maxx 29)that I am pretty sure would come back to life with some time on a desulfator.....
  Reply With Quote