David's 2001 Civic EV (80-100 mile range; 65+ MPH; 8 second 0-60)

[TheSGC]

Originally Posted by Daox

I thought you had one of those already? What are you using right now?

I just have a 125v 20A Marine socket and 50ft extension cord that I've been using for years. Now I want to use the charging stations around MA, including a bunch of the restaurants I go too. I'm also going to use it as more incentive to get my company to install full blown L2 charging stations.

[Daox]

Sounds good. Let us know how it goes.

[TheSGC]

Well my KATs 1500w heater burnt up after 25 minutes of use. It's only rated for 1500 watts @120 VAC, but I have ~153v battery pack and I was pushing closer to 2500 watts through it. So far the only hot water heater I've been successful with is the KATs 1000w block heater, and I still push ~1600 watts through it.

Now I'm trying to figure out what to do about heat. I can reinstall the 1000w unit, which works fine unless its 30F and below, then it takes a good 15-20 minutes to get the heater hot, but it does keep the window defrosted.

I'm thinking about installing PTC elements, but that would mean removing the entire dash and disconnecting the A/C, and a minimum two days of work.

[Daox]

Run two 1000W units in parallel (plumbing)? Or add a small water pump to keep the heaters cooled (haha that sounds weird).

[TheSGC]

Originally Posted by Daox

Run two 1000W units in parallel (plumbing)? Or add a small water pump to keep the heaters cooled (haha that sounds weird).

My system uses a water pump to push it through the heater core. I thought about dual units but I just don't have the space under the hood for it.

I did find some 144v DC hot water heater setups online, but they are very expensive.

[Daox]

Well, you could design a simple PWM circuit. 1500W / 150V = 10A. It wouldn't be horribly hard to design and wouldn't need to be fancy. It could also double as a heat adjustment.

[TheSGC]

I reinstalled my 1000w heater and it works well enough. It takes about 20 minutes to get the car toasty when its 20F out, but it will defrost in a few minutes.

I still need to insulate the batteries and install the new J1772 socket, which I am hoping to do in the coming weeks. I need to machine a new mount for the J1772 socket then it will go where the current 120v socket is.

[Cobb]

Still beating on this? I know it doesnt use any gas, but whats the paypal,visa or cash per mile? I know building something feels great, but if its always a project its not really saving any money in the end.

[TheSGC]

Originally Posted by Cobb

Still beating on this? I know it doesn't use any gas, but whats the paypal,visa or cash per mile? I know building something feels great, but if its always a project its not really saving any money in the end.

In the past 6 months I've put a total of $500 into it, and driven it about ~5,000 miles. Between me and my dad we save about $400/month in gas for commuting and driving around weekends. Once I have full J1772 it will be used for many more activities nearly all the parking garages around have charging stations and most of the restaurants and movie theaters also.

Basically, by the end of 2014 it will have paid itself off with the amount of driving I do and money we've saved without needing spare cars for my brothers. (~$20k total invested).

[CFECO]

It would be interesting to know if your home electric bill has changed, since your car charging at home began. I know the away charging will not be reflected though. Great work on you car!