[ausev] battery selection

[Mark Farver]

TERRY KING wrote:
> I'm converting a Geo Metro four-door sedan to battery electric and I 
> need some insights. My traction battery voltage will be 96 volts but I 
> can't decide between 16 6 volt batteries or 12 8 volt units. I'll save 
> about 280 lbs in battery weight if I go with the lesser amount but 
> I will be giving up range in the long run? My daily commute is 25 
> miles round trip of fairly flat roadway + any additional errands. 

My recommendation is with the 6v.. they are cheaper and easier to 
obtain, and last somewhat longer than the 8v batteries.   Lead is fuel, 
and if the car can take the weight more is generally better.  (More 
batts means your average discharge depth will be less, and the batteries 
will last much longer.)

OTOH, 96v is a very marginal voltage, you will find top speed and 
acceleration quite limited on the freeway.  Most people put in 8v 
batteries and try to get the voltage up to 120-144v.


Mark