Electric Vehicles

How to Build an Electric Vehicle
Design and Prototyping

By Frank Didik
Copyright 1998
Rights Reserved as listed below

ELECTRIC VEHICLES - How they work Electric vehicles are probably the simplest form of self propelled mechanical transportation. 
In it most basic form, the drive train of an electric vehicle consists of a battery attached to an off and on switch which is attached to an 
electric motor. The electric motor drives the wheels. Most electric vehicles have a more elaborate method to control the amount of 
electricity going to the motor as well as a system of gears to drive the wheels in a most efficient manner. In addition to the above, 
"solar powered" vehicles incorporate a solar collector which converts solar energy into electricity which is used to slowly recharge the battery.

NOTE: Many people have requested information on how to design and build an electric car. The following is an outline of a seminar which I conducted at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum of the Smithsonian Institute on July 9, 1998. This may be of use to those interested in designing or building an experimental electric car. http://www.didik.com/ev_build.htm

Info:

Remember how much fun it used to be to ride a bike? Now it can be like that again. On an electric bicycle! - http://www.ebicycles.com/

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has bought a solar powered bike which it took to the road for the first time during National Bike Week (12-20 June). http://www.energyenterprise.co.uk/page9.html

Zero Air Pollution® (ZAP) World of Transportation - http://www.zapbikes.com/

Thank you very much for choosing to visit the DIDIK alternate energy vehicle web site. DIDIK alternate energy vehicles are unique, safe, practical and, are indescribably fun to drive. The vehicles are powered by a variety of propulsion systems including human, solar, electric and hybrid systems. The vehicles are designed to require a minimum amount of maintenance and can usually be serviced by the driver. Presently, the vehicles are produced on a custom, made to order basis therefor specifications can be modified to fit the individual buyers specific needs. It is possible to rent or lease the vehicles. Financing for both leasing and purchasing is available to qualified buyers. If you have any questions or if you are interested in distributing DIDIK vehicles, please contact us. We are particularly interested in distributors in Europe and Asia. Thank you again for visiting the DIDIK alternate energy vehicle web site. We welcome your comments. http://www.didik.com/didik_ev.htm

The Senior Project of Dmitry Shkipin [Topic: Solar Energy] - You are at the web page for my Senior Project. My name is Dmitry Shkipin and I am a Westmont High School senior. This project is part of the Senior Project Program, where every senior has a chance to try to do something for his/her experience in real life. I decided to make my project about solar energy and energy problems in the world. If you would like to have some information about it, your welcome to look at this web site. If you have some questions, comments, ideas etc. to me, please, go to Contacts. Also, it best viewed with MS Explorer. If you are using any browser other MS Explorer and having any problems, please let me know.

Georgia Tech is helping design the electric and electric-hybrid vehicles of tomorrow - http://www.gtri.gatech.edu/rh-sf97/car.htm

AVCT - Advanced Vehicle Concepts Team - Future Truck 2000

Bruce {EVangel} Parmenter, EV List Editor, Electric Vehicle, Hybrid, Fuel Cell, Renewable Energy, solar, wind, tidal, biomass, geothermal - I spend my time, money, and effort to help people get the information on Electric Vehicles (EVs), so they can make a their own wise choice if they would like to purchase and drive an EV. My other activities include: Hybrid EVs, Fuel Cell EVs, & Renewable Energy. I have no other income other than my day job (which has nothing to do with EVs). I have no EV business, and all my work is for free (my own time, and out of my own pocket). I spend my time to help arrange, educate the public on EVs. I also facilitate the installation of EV parking spots in a good, cost effective way.

Catch Buzz, the fun electric runabout for the real world - Buzz is a compact scooter that's so much fun it's a gas. But it's electric so you get no emissions, no noise pollution - just clean, fun transportation that's cheaper than any car.

Canadian Electric Vehicles, Ltd. - "The I.C.E. age is over" - Vehicles, Kits, Conversions, and Components.

Carl Hayden Electric Vehicle Program: ARCRUNNER! - Carl Hayden Community High School, 3333 W. Roosevelt - Phoenix, AZ 85009
ARCRUNNER Electric Vehicle Racing Team - 1^st High School Team in the Nation! Building & Racing Since 1991

CityBug, Electronic Scooters - Sporty, convenient and practical, the Citybug is the transport for all occassions. Not only an adaptable, economical and clean method of transportation, the Citybug makes riding fun.

Electric Vehicle Discussion List Photo Album, Our Electric Cars on the Web - You've heard all about them, now you can see them!
This is an unofficial photo album for the members of the EV Discussion List, an email based forum on electric vehicles.

EV Mailing List - http://solstice.crest.org/ev-list-archive/

Jay's Electric Vehicle Garage - I got started into Electric Vehicles back in 1995 with the University of Idaho Hybrid Electric Vehicle (H.E.V.) Project. We won first place at APS 96' and beat (lapped) General Motors Institute. I worked on anything electrical on the project, drove it a record distance of 200km (125 miles), and given a lot of time to it (too much sometimes).

InnEVations "Plug into the future" - Electric Vehicle (EV) components, kits, & more

Welcome to Manzanita Micro's Home on the Web! - EV components

The MIT Solar Electic Vehicle Team - The MIT Solar Electic Vehicle Team is a student organization dedicated to educating students about solar electric vehicle design and construction by providing a hands-on environment in which students are encouraged to apply theories learned in the classroom.

New England Electric Auto Association - The New England Electric Auto Association NEEAA is one of 20 Electric Auto Clubs throughout the U.S. and Canada. NEEAA is associated with the national Electric Auto Association

San Jose Electric Auto Association Chapter

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), Search for "EV" - What do cars, aircraft, trucks, off-highway equipment, engines, materials, manufacturing, and fuels have in common? SAE. The Society of Automotive Engineers is your one-stop resource for technical information and expertise used in designing, building, maintaining, and operating self-propelled vehicles for use on land or sea, in air or space.

EV World - The World of Advanced Electric Cars, Hybrid-electric and Fuel Cell Vehicles. - EV World.Com is a publication of EVWorld.Com, Incorporated and is possible through the generous support of The Energy Foundation of San Francisco.
Copyright 1997-1999, Digital Revolution.

The Shuttle - Ready for Christchurch Citizens to Ride in Pride

The Shuttle - Ready for Christchurch Citizens to Ride in Pride

An alternative to buses that increase pollution

Christchurch citizens are already enjoying the advantages of electric zero-emission buses operating in a free shuttle service in the city centre. The shuttles, a Christchurch City Council and Christchurch Transport Limited joint venture, are the first of their kind in the Southern Hemisphere and are manufactured in Ashburton by Designline. Both local passengers and the many overseas visitors who travel on these buses are impressed with the absence of engine noise and pollution. http://www.nzine.co.nz/life/buses.html

Autos/Light Trucks/Vans (AUT) An electric vehicle project sponsored by USAID may lead to market demand for small electric taxis and vans within the next few years. The pollution caused by diesel vehicles is compelling Nepal to explore alternatives and a recent decision by the GON to reduce the customs duty to five percent for electric vehicle parts and ten percent for electric buses, cars, and vans (compared to 110 percent plus sales tax for diesel and gasoline powered vehicles) should stimulate demand for such equipment in the Kathmandu Valley. http://www.tradeport.org/ts/countries/nepal/sectors.html

Senanayake blazes the electric trail

by Dharman Wickremaratne

The first motor car was produced by Daimler of Germany in the year 1885. Benjamin Franklin discovered electricity in 1705. Approximately 10 decades ago, a leading milk distributing company in Great Britain had converted its vans into electric-powered vehicles. During the second world war certain countries used electric vehicles for activities connected with the war.

With the exploration of petroleum resources in the Middle East, it became possible for all industries including automobiles to utilize fuel as the source of energy. When petroleum oil began to invade the automobile market at profitably low prices, electrically- operated vehicles which had previously held sway in the world fell into an insignificant position. Deficiencies or their bad influences in new technologies usually surface after a considerable period of time. True to this phenomenon, poisonous substances such as carbon dioxide, sulphur osice and nitrogen monoxide, all of which are resultant effects of petroleum products, automatically became the major enemies of all beings on earth.

Poisonous gases can cause ice glaziers to melt and also to pierce the ozone layer. Similarly they are capable of even causing irreparable damage to human and animal lives. Having realized the gravity of this situation, automobile companies such as Ford, BMW and Benz reverted to the manufacture of electric-powered motor vehicles. Consequently the demand for electric-powered motor vehicles increased appreciably in developed countries like England, Germany, France, United States of America and Japan.

Senators of California by consensus once gave a direction to the state government to the effect that by the year 2000 at least 2% of the registered motor vehicles should be electrically-operated. During the last eight years or so, about 200 electric buses have been operating on an experimental basis in New Delhi, India. Some three-wheelers in Nepal are also electric-powered.

When D.W. Senanayake participated in the 12th seminar on electric vehicles held in California in December 1994, a new idea was born in his mind. This idea was concerned with producing a vehicle which will lend itself to saving foreign exchange as well as controlling environmental pollution. He was convinced that such a vehicle should be one of simple technology and appropriate to our country which is currently at a primary stage of development compared with the level of technology prevailing in the developed world.

At this seminar, Sena-nayake had the opportunity of meeting and exchanging views with several entrepreneurs including large scale producers of electric vehicles, conversion kits, batteries and other necessary items. He visited several factories and acquired first-hand knowledge required for producing an electric-powered vehicle.

Similarly he was able to see for himself the systematic bus service operating in Santa Barbara and gather invaluable information. Thereafter Senanayake took steps to place an order for the required conversion kit as well as other accessories in order to produce an electric-powered vehicle in Sri Lanka in association with Mendomotive Electronic Co. of USA. He purchased a diesel-driven Isuzu Fargo van for Rs. 510,000 and spent another Rs. 710,000 (US $1-SL Rs. 60) for the purpose of importing the conversion kit and batteries from Mendomotive Co. On account of labor charges and local raw materials, approximately another Rs. 580,000 had to be spent. The vehicle which was thus produced after incurring all types of expenditure cost him approximately Rs. 1,800,000.

Senanayake replaced the engine of his van with an electric motor. A battery bank consisting of 24 lead acid batteries is being made use of as the power generation unit of this van. This battery bank produces an energy capacity of 144 volts which activates the 28 hp electric motor of the vehicle.

The recharging power required for this vehicle is primarily obtained from household energy. A wire connected to a 15 amp plug base in a house is then connected to a battery charger of 16 amperes which in turn is joined with the battery bank. By means of a meter fixed onto the battery charger it is possible to ascertain the volume of energy stored in the batteries as well as their condition. Batteries fitted in a vehicle of this nature can last for 3-4 years.

By charging the batteries for eight hours during the night, the vehicle can run for about 70 km. The average running cost per kilometer is approximately Rs. 1.10. Compared with petrol and diesel vehicles the running cost involved here is minimal.

There are several benefits associated with this vehicle compared with the normal types. The significant benefits are: (a) cleanliness, (b) environmental pollution-free quality, (c) free of jerks while running, (d) its ability to start and stop instantly, (e) capacity to reach maximum speed in a short time, (f) long life, and (g) minimal expenditure for the maintenance of the vehicle.

Use of this type of vehicle benefits the general environment as well as the economic condition of the owner. Environmental pollution will not take place and, as a result, people will not be affected by diseases caused by pollution. Consequently there will be savings in government expenditure on account of health services. Expenditure in terms of foreign exchange incurred on import of fuel and spares for motor vehicles in general will also significantly decline. These are some of the noteworthy gains.

It took Senanayake about one month to complete the process of converting the vehicle including the installation of the conversion kit. Thereafter this electric-powered van was utilized for day to day activities with effect from June 1995. Some of the inherent disadvantages of the electric vehicle are: (a) short distance running capacity, (b) excessive weight, (c) large investment on its conversion, and (d) the long period of time required for re-charging the batteries. However, it has a very high value compared with other types of motor vehicles.

In appreciation of the unparalleled innovative contribution made by Senanayake by producing an environment-friendly electric vehicle, the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science presented him its environmental award in 1995. Similarly the Chartered Institute of Transport honored him with the best transport award in 1997. In the same year the National Development Bank offered to share a part of the capital cost involved in his effort which was a great source of encouragement to Senanayake. Thereafter he made plans to convert a 35-seater passenger bus into an electric-power unit. According to his plans, it is expected to make use of unserviceable buses of the Sri Lanka Transport Board and also to locally produce lead acid batteries and electric motors. It will thereby be possible to reduce the cost of converting buses by about 50%.

He is of the opinion that the cost of running an electric-powered bus will be about 40% less than that of a normal diesel bus. He feels that such buses can be deployed as part of the inter-city bus service between Colombo and Kandy and also between Colombo and Galle. It will be possible to make a great success of such a service by installing two or three solar power stations in between the destinations which can supply the required energy to charge the batteries.

However, there is a pathetic situation confronting Senanayake's endeavors at the moment. The ministries of environment and defense who have a role in this matter have taken two different views of the new technology so that it has not been possible for Senanayake to register this vehicle and obtain the revenue license. Although government intervention and support is a significant aspect in other countries of the world in instances of innovative contributions, such a policy does not appear to exist in Sri Lanka which should not be so any longer.

(The writer is a general secretary, Bangkok based Asia Pacific Forum of Environmental Journalists and Deputy Secretary, Paris based International Federation of Eco Journalists. He can be reached via E-mail: afej@sri.lanka.net. http://www.lanka.net/sundayleader/1997/december/28th/review.html

BATTERIES NOT DEAD

Beyond the publicity surrounding the possibility of hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles in our future, advanced rechargeable vehicle battery technology still moves forward to meet current and expected demand. Rechargeable electric vehicles already being built need batteries. Hybrid vehicles also carry a large and expensive battery pack. Some fuel cell vehicle designs, too, are reported to have large battery packs. Power Technology Inc. has developed a battery technology that could reduce the weight and cost of lead-acid batteries and increase their energy capacity. The company recently received a patent on reticulated foam-like plates which, because of their porosity, have a much larger surface area than typical battery plates. The greater the surface area of a battery plate, the greater the area for electrolyte to come into contact, thus the greater the battery's capacity to deliver electric current. The plate technology is analogous to a kitchen sponge which can hold a large amount of water despite its small size. According to the company, the technology could also be applied to other battery chemistries such as nickel-metal hydride. Visit Power Technology at http://www.powerpwtc.com/ Visit Green Energy News on the Web at http://www.nrglink.com/ . For free ENERGIES subscription contact bmulliken@nrglink.com. Copyright Green Energy News Inc. 5/20/00 vol.5 no.7

The growing reliance on traditional, petroleum-powered technologies to meet increasing transportation demands in developing countries is multiplying environmental, health, energy, and economic problems, particularly in urban areas. In examining trends in vehicle use and the increasing reliance upon polluting and less energy efficient vehicles, this paper explores the technical capabilities, and current and projected capital and operating costs of electric vehicles (EYs) to meet portions of urban public transportation need in developing countries. http://www.entebbe.com/evcon/english/p_rockef.html

How to Build an Electric Vehicle Design and Prototyping

Senanayake blazes the electric trail

How to Build an Electric Vehicle
Design and Prototyping