David's 2001 Civic EV (80-100 mile range; 65+ MPH; 8 second 0-60) - Page 25 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

TheSGC · 04-13-2013, 11:53 PM

I'm really liking that fact that I have more range than what need in a normal day. I no longer worry about if I am going to make it somewhere, or if the EV will not be fast enough, etc. I typically drive 17 miles before charging on a normal commute, but on the weekends I will drive around 40 or so miles before charging up.

mountainmike47 · 04-14-2013, 07:26 AM

I keep 45 psi (max rated) in my 195 70 14 tires. Also, I have 2 steel spring spacers in each of the rear coil springs to bring the level of the car back to normal. You cannot tell that I have 13 FLA batteries in my trunk area since car looks completely stock (level) except for the missing tailpipe. The spring spacers and tire pressure work fine for me and a front passenger but on the rare occasions that I have passengers in the back they complain when I drive over railroad tracks. The car handles fine for the type of driving that I do which is mostly on local, rural, sometimes hilly/curvy roads 30 - 45 mph. I don't drive on interstate highways although I did one test run and had the car up to 75 mph with room to spare.

TheSGC · 04-27-2013, 10:56 AM

I haven't had much time to work on the EV, except to drive it daily. I'm hoping to get some time this week to get the wheel adjusted and maybe test the tach out. It's also getting time to get the air conditioner running, the weather is warming up and it would be nice to have.

TheSGC · 07-25-2013, 10:59 PM

It's been a while since I've done anything with the Civic EV, but soon I have to install my gauges and tach.

I now have a new job that has a 65 mile round trip commute, but I haven't driven my EV yet to it. I need to get a few things fixed, and I'm waiting for new charging stations to get installed!

For the past several weeks my dad has been using my Civic EV until I'm comfortable enough to bring it to work. While I do have a 2013 CR-V EX that I'm commuting is now, I really do miss the awesome power of the EV, and the fact that I don't need gas....

TheSGC · 09-06-2013, 11:07 AM

A few weeks ago I installed the new EV Display from Clean Power EV. It's really good to have a real fuel gauge and keeping track of power coming out and going into the pack.

I did a car show several weeks ago (gotta find the pictures!) and I based on my driving down the highway I have an 85 mile highway driving range!

I just got new headlights I am going to install tonight, then I need to do a tire rotation, alignment and replace one of my rear springs.

My dad has been using my EV for quite some time now so I haven't had the opportunity to drive it to work, but once the Solectria is road worthy, there will be many more EV commuting days.

skyking · 09-06-2013, 11:36 AM

That's a nice range. Now that we have the TDI, I think an EV will be an even harder sell for my wife. Really bums me out because she has the stable commute. Last week was 197 miles in 4 days. Your car would do that with ease!

TheSGC · 10-09-2013, 03:46 PM

I have a problem, my rear suspension is sagging too low. I had installed Skunk2 coils with 450 lbs/in spring rate and 5" long and its not enough. I am looking at new coils from Ground Controls but cant decide on the spring rate.

Does anyone have any insight? I was thinking about 6" or 7" long with a spring rate of 1200 lbs/inch but not sure if that is way too much. I don't want to lower the car, I want it to stock height.

Daox · 10-09-2013, 03:47 PM

Why not add something like a spacer in the back to bring it back up?

TheSGC · 10-09-2013, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daox

Why not add something like a spacer in the back to bring it back up?

I tried that but all it did was compress the spring more and not really lift the car without slamming the spring. The spring is definitely not long enough, or strong enough.

darcane · 10-09-2013, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSGC

I have a problem, my rear suspension is sagging too low. I had installed Skunk2 coils with 450 lbs/in spring rate and 5" long and its not enough. I am looking at new coils from Ground Controls but cant decide on the spring rate.

Does anyone have any insight? I was thinking about 6" or 7" long with a spring rate of 1200 lbs/inch but not sure if that is way too much. I don't want to lower the car, I want it to stock height.

Were the Skunk2 springs lowering springs?

I just installed GCs on my Civic. Stock rear spring for the kit is 5 inches long, 425 lbs/in spring rate. My goal was to lower it, so I didn't check how high I could get rear of the car. But, the kit is intended to adjust up to stock height.

Granted, that is without a pile of batteries in the trunk.

How much weight do you have back there? 1200lbs/in is going to be way too stiff unless you have a lot more batteries than I think you do. Stock spring rate is only about 250 lbs/in, so that is about five times as stiff. I'd guess you'll want something around 500-600 lbs/in, 6" tall and the adjustability of the coilovers will get you the height you need.

For the best answer, call up Ground Control directly. I had to call them up and they had good customer service and were very helpful. If you tell them what you are doing, I'm sure they can recommend a spring that will be perfect.

Ground Control Suspension Systems