Re: Batterys??????????

["David Roden (Akron OH USA)" <roden@ald.net>]

From:           	Edward Rupp <edwardrupp@netzero.net>

> If only the batteries would catch-up!  The nasty
> gas car wouldn’t stand a chance.

Of all the ones you mention, the battery closest to "catching up" is 
probably the Saft -- and as you point out the intial cost is pretty 
punishing.  You might find that you get all the range you need from one 
of the smaller Safts, though you'd be getting into more charging hassle.

Maybe you should check into Gold Peak NiMH; I know they sponsored a car 
or two in the Tour de Sol this past spring.

Don't forget Optima Group 31s.  The spec I have (preliminary) gives ~90 
amp-hours (20 hr rate) and 60 minutes at 75 amps.  That's good for a 
Peukert of 1.05, even better than your Hawkers; and by reputation, they 
are a lot easier than Hawkers to charge.  They are about $175 each, and 
weigh 72 lb -- a little cheaper per lb of lead than the Hawkers.

In the end, you will get the lowest cost per mile from the plain old 
flooded golf car batteries (T-105 or US 2200 type).  If I could have put 
them in my car, I would have.  The main reason I went with Safts was to 
get sufficient range for my needs, without making my car too heavy.


David Roden - Akron, Ohio, USA
1991 Solectria Force 144vac
1991 Ford Escort Green/EV 128vdc
1979 General Engines ElectroPed 24vdc
1974 Honda Civic EV 96vdc
1970 GE Elec-trak 36 vdc