Paul's how NOT to convert a Metro

[MPaulHolmes]

I vote for the lithium to explode first. It's just a feeling... As a side note, I think Lithium helps with depression, so if it explodes you should go snort some if you are feeling down about your batteries being stolen.

[vpoppv]

Originally Posted by MPaulHolmes

I vote for the lithium to explode first. It's just a feeling... As a side note, I think Lithium helps with depression, so if it explodes you should go snort some if you are feeling down about your batteries being stolen.

I agree with you because I THINK Lithium has lowest internal resistance, but I know so little about it that my thoughts on the subject are meaningless. I just like to blow things up. Also, I know lithium helps with depression because I always get a smile on my face when I pull a cell off the charger that reads 4.22 volts...

[vpoppv]

I've driven over 200 gas free miles. Now if I could have done that in one trip I would have something to brag about....

[bennelson]

Originally Posted by vpoppv

I've driven over 200 gas free miles. Now if I could have done that in one trip I would have something to brag about....

True, but we can't all drive Tesla Roadsters....

[exrdega]

Hey I liked the video. I thought the clicking was the projector in a silent movie.
Your good with these used batteries. Mixing and matching sounds scary. Might be quite a mess if something gives.

[vpoppv]

When I went to charge my car today, I saw something cool! One of my batteries has one of those little magic "eyes" that tells you the condition of the battery. It has always been black at full charge, and red when it was discharged. Today it was green!! I didn't even know it could do any color besides red and black!!

[vpoppv]

It's amazing just how much of an effect temperature has on batteries. This morning it was about 40 degrees, my fully charged voltage was 78.3v. I drove to work. Got in my car this afternoon, about 72 degrees (no charging at all), and the voltage read 79.1v! Soon it will be time to mumify batteries again.....

[bennelson]

And by mumify, you mean wrap them in insulation for the winter?

Insulation really does make a big difference on lead-acid batteries.
I also have a section of heat tape below my batteries, but I don't use that until it gets really cold out.

Also, having a car to park the car in is nice as well. My friend Tom has an electric car AND a HEATED garage.

I am jealous of his garage. It is cozy in there.

[vpoppv]

I'm pretty lucky in that I have a carport-even in the dead of winter my car doesn't have frost on the windows. And yes, as MetroMPG called it one time, mumify for me means to insulate the batteries. I think I have a good month before I'll need it though. It was 88 degrees today.
And on another note, my ultra-reliable electric car failed me today! This is now the SECOND time I had to tow it home. The first time was when I exploded a battery, which gave me at least three days warning that it was going to pop; but did I listen?? Nope, I just laughed at the 10v readings and proceeded to drive it into the ground. And for today's reason for my car letting me down: would you believe that after just ONE year, a part that was designed for a 20 amp load at 12 volts let me down? The nerve of that part. It's a battery disconnect I use every day. Looks something like this:

Summit Racing® Battery Disconnect Switch G1432: eBay Motors (item 330475198777 end time Oct-20-10 11:02:49 PDT)

Maybe I'll buy the heavy duty one that's rated at 60 amps (at 12v)?

Actually I'm getting a 500 amp one and I'll have it in before tomorrow....

[roguethunder]

Hahahahaha. The nerve of that part. Failing under conditions that are... ah... How many times over its specs? After doing that for a year? XD... Phahahahahaa.... Yeah. Yeah... :P That 500 amp one juuuust might not be a bad idea. XD