David's 2001 Civic EV (80-100 mile range; 65+ MPH; 8 second 0-60) - Page 29 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

TheSGC · 12-30-2013, 10:26 PM

I'm using a separate motor to run my AC, I just need to finish painting the brackets that hold it. Last week I had a pulley welded to the small motor, I've just been too busy repairing the gas cars to work on my EV. But it has been fun driving to the auto parts store to get ignition coils, spark plugs, exhaust parts, etc in my EV.

I am cutting out the insulation for the battery pack. I have one week of vacation left so I'm hoping to get these batteries insulated then I will start taking it to work.

Daox · 01-02-2014, 05:33 PM

What kind of Wh/mile are you seeing in the winter?

TheSGC · 01-02-2014, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daox

What kind of Wh/mile are you seeing in the winter?

On new years eve it was 10F out and I was getting 400 Wh/mile without insulated batteries. I usually get 250-300 wh/mi so its a big hit. The pack will be insulated this weekend once the snow stops and my J1772 is almost ready to be installed.

Daox · 01-03-2014, 10:55 AM

Thanks, I just want to know what to use as a worst case scenario when sizing the pack for my purely theoretical future EV.

TheSGC · 01-19-2014, 11:02 PM

I finally got most of my battery pack insulated and did a 31.7 mile drive today. I wanted to test the high way speeds on my EV and how much power it would truly take. I was quite surprised, after the drive a used 95 AH, which gives me a 340 WH/Mi! My pack started with a temperature of 39F and ended at 59F. I'm hoping the pack will warm up more with charging and I am considering taking it to work soon, I just need to test the plug at work.

Daox · 01-20-2014, 12:22 PM

Awesome.

Are you planning to charge just before leaving then? Or are you hoping the thermal mass of the pack will keep it warm until you leave?

TheSGC · 01-20-2014, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daox

Awesome.

Are you planning to charge just before leaving then? Or are you hoping the thermal mass of the pack will keep it warm until you leave?

The thermal mass does quite well in keeping the temps up. This morning it was 27F out but the pack was at 46F. I didn't take the EV to work as I need to verify the plug functions but it looks good.

I definitely need a better heater for these 10F days. I can keep the windows clear but the cabin takes forever to heat up, almost 30 minutes. This summer I want to replace my 1000w water heater with two 1500 watt ceramic cores for instant heat. My Solectria has a ~1000w ceramic heater and it works great. But for now I will get by.

skyking · 01-20-2014, 01:02 PM

since you are plugging in, I would consider wiring an outlet for a conventional 120V heater in, and set it up with a timer. At least you could preheat the car for the morning commute, and if you get to plug in you could do the same for the way home. IF you ran a heater at 500 watts for a half hour before you depart it should get nice and toasty with no wind chill losses.

Daox · 01-20-2014, 01:03 PM

What did you do for insulation around the pack? 1/2" XPS or something? Pics?

I second the cabin heater, I do that in my normal cars and its great! It'll also help your wh/mile.

TheSGC · 01-20-2014, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyking

since you are plugging in, I would consider wiring an outlet for a conventional 120V heater in, and set it up with a timer. At least you could preheat the car for the morning commute, and if you get to plug in you could do the same for the way home. IF you ran a heater at 500 watts for a half hour before you depart it should get nice and toasty with no wind chill losses.

I charge off 220V at home due to lack of 120v plug near my EV.

A grill block might be a good idea for the winter, that might really help my heat issues. I know if the EV is parked it warms up really fast with the water heater.