August 29, 2011 by Rob.

Alex and I spent the pre-100 morning checking the circuits in the RAVolt to isolate the drive system failure.  We confirmed it was not the traction voltage, aux voltage, motor continuity, key lockout or pot box.  Sadly, that only left the Curtis 1231C controller.  We removed it and I’ll send it out to be remanufactured.

In the process, I did manage to fry one of my contactors.  Note to self: do not create a short between the battery and the motor - the contactors cannot handle the arc.  On the positive side, I’m certain Alex will never forget today’s efforts together.

Posted in Safety, Parts, Storyline | 5 Comments »

April 25, 2011 by Rob.

After some minor painting, the battery replacement for the RAVolt went off with any issues.  The alternate cells Trojan T1275 were a good fit without needed to change the terminal connector layouts.

I especially like the new lifting ears.  We made some simple lifting straps so moving the cells was much easier than using the J150’s built in handles.  I wish they were in the original design because I could have aligned the cells to make it easier to have tie downs.

I have not yet tested the range on the new cells - I expect to be back to my 30 mile range.  Trust, but verify.

Posted in Batteries, Storyline, Conversion | 6 Comments »

March 27, 2011 by Rob.

Last month I was able to repair the brake line.  Some acid had leaded onto the steel lines and eaten a hole in one.  Alex and I had to remove the batteries from the front and disassemble the brake line junction.  It was easy and cheap to buy a replacement line.  The replacement lines can be hand bent to route them past the leaking area.  The bigger challenge was the double flair needed to connect the cut line into the replacement section.Once I’d mastered the flair, we just had to bleed the brake lines (surprisingly easy) and replace the batteries.After that, the brakes held pressure and we were able to take a short 2 mile cruise to prove out the system.   Now that Alex has his learner’s permit, he can actually take the RAVolt out around the block.That’s about as far as we can go until I order some new batteries.  I’m planning to do that THIS WEEK.The RAVolt has been idle for over 18 months.  With $4 gas around the corner, my timing is looking very good.

Posted in Brakes, Safety, Parts, Storyline | 3 Comments »

September 28, 2010 by Rob.

Kate and I had to drive an extra trip around the block to watch it flip over!

Posted in Storyline | 2 Comments »

September 22, 2010 by Rob.

The RAVolt’s been offline for an embarassingly long time - I finally too it to the shop (Broddus Chevron in Rollingwood) to get the master cylinder replaced, new pads, and lines.  I had to restring the batteries and remove corrosion before the car could move on it’s own power - that’s the subject for another post.

Props to the mechanics at the Chevron!  They were more than glad to work on a frankencar.  Frankly, I was afraid that no shop would be willing to take on a repair for such a heavily modified vehicle.

I’m looking forward to getting to drive the RAVolt around town again.  It’s been way too long.

Posted in Safety, Storyline | 2 Comments »

July 9, 2009 by Rob.

The RAVolt celebrated it’s 2 year EV anniversary in the Rollingwood July 4th Parade.   For updates, check out the RAVolt on BrightKite (better pictures) or Twitter (tag #EV).

The heat is killing my batteries - down to about 15 miles of reliable range.   That is assuming that it ever gets cool enough to drive!

Posted in Daily Use, Storyline | 2 Comments »

June 4, 2009 by Rob.

Yes, the RAVolt is still going strong.  Sorry about the lack of updates.  I’ll explain all soon.I’ve been commuting 40 miles/day and the RAVolt is just not up for that.  The Fit is awesome (38+ MPG).I lost my auxiliary battery charger recently and ran down my “starter” battery.  After buying a new charger, the battery is slowly getting back to speed.  I know that there are some traction pack chargers & DC-DC supplies that also trickle charge the aux battery.   I would recommend this approach for EV conversions!

Posted in Daily Use, Improvements, Storyline | 1 Comment »

January 26, 2009 by Rob.

Since I had to switch over to the Fit as my daily driver (my new gig is approx 40 miles RT), it’s getting parked in our driveway.  Unfortunately, that means the the RAVolt is perpetually parked in.  I’m trying to anticipate EV opportunities and the Fit appropriately.  Even so, I still missed at least two EV trips this weekend.

Fit Update: I got 38 MPG based on my last fill-up.  The mileage lieage meter on the dashboard reported an average of 41 and change.  Even if it’s optimistic, the gauge does give me good driving feedback.  I wonder if my EV experience gives me an advantage in getting better MPG?  I’m not sure how to test that!

Posted in Honda Fit, Storyline | 1 Comment »

January 11, 2009 by Rob.

Turk & Christy Pipkin’s “Nobelity” movie was part of the inspiration for me to start the whole EV project, so it’s wonderful that I have a chance to be part of their sequel, “One Peace at a Time.”  My take away from Nobelity was that the difference between everyone and a Nobel laureate what they the laureates “got off their ass and did something” to solve a problem.I took at attitude with the EV project and dove in aggressively.  The RAVolt is not a show car, but it gets me where I need to go without gas.I have no idea what Turk will use in the movie - it could be nothing at all!   He wanted Laura in the shots too because he considers the RAVolt to be a “hip family car.”  I’m not sure about hip, but it’s definitely a car.

Posted in Nobelity, Storyline | 1 Comment »

January 3, 2009 by Rob.

My last two EV outings (16 miles & 12 miles) have been marked by atypical voltage sag.  It seems like the 18 month old batteries are not holding as much charge as they used to or the “cold” could be impacting them more than I expect.  Unfortunately, the I think the lack of daily commute based deep charge/discharge is limiting their recovery.

On a related note: having a high MPG car makes me less likely to drive the EV on longer trips.  Hmmm.

Posted in Honda Fit, Batteries, Daily Use, Storyline | 1 Comment »