[ausev] New list member and I have a few questions.

[David Leon]

Thanks for all of this good and useful information.
I can be flexible with the Saturn. I'm still some
time away from making any commitments on components.
I was looking at the AC55, but if it's not the best
match for the car, I can resize.
Biggest issue at this time, will be moving out
of the apt. complex into a house with a garage
large enough to start the project. I work in 
Seguin, TX, so I will probably move closer to
that location.
Thanks again for the good info.

> From: tomsmail at wtez.net <tomsmail at wtez.net>
> Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2008, 1:55 PM
> Hello,
> 
> FWIW, I would strongly advise not going into debt.  Very
> few things justify indebtedness; e.g. like a home purchase
> (and even that has gotten out of hand lately, hasn't
> it?).
> 
> 400 amps is plenty for the AC systems.  The DMOC445 tops
> out at 275A.  Is it the AC22 or the AC55 you are looking at?
>  
> 
> The AC55 is one large motor.  You will need about 8 inchs
> plus some margin for vibration, c.c. between input shaft and
> output shaft of your transmission for clearance.  PLEASE
> check the transmission measurements first!  I don't know
> what they are on a Saturn but the Saturn strikes me as a
> compact car.  The saturn is an excellent choice for a
> converison I think, but it may not work with AC55.
> 
> The AC55 wants 336V nominal to get the max power output,
> but will work with less.  The transistors on the DMOC are
> limited to 400V forward and reverse, so I recommend 312V to
> maximize regen potential, and save a little weight.  The
> AC22 will work with 240V.
> 
> Battery fitment may not be a problem if you are using SLA
> from (Enersys)Genesis - they come in many different sizes
> and scale well.  I currently have 26 count of G16EP on the
> Tracker, which weighs a total of 338 lbs.   26 count of
> G26EP will weight 579 lbs.  (not bad!).  This is my
> unsubstantiated estimate: 26xG26EP=20 miles.  I will admit
> that interconnect for so many batteries is a pain.
> 
> The AC22 strikes me as a bit underpowered for a 2200 lb
> car.  I would think about AC22 if I had a Geo Metro, Toyota
> Yaris, or some other sub-1900 lb donor vehicle.
> 
> You've got a gold mine with the Mazda - at 3000 lbs. it
> would make an excellent donor for an AC55 based conversion. 
> But do not go direct connect.  Keep the manual transmission
> and get some 2" 'body lift kits' if you need
> extra motor clearance above the steering linkage.  With the
> pickup, you can afford to look at larger batteries.
> 
> ElectroAutomotive is a very reputable company and dealing
> with them was acceptable; they were helpful and very
> professional in the face of delays from their supplier. 
> Expect delays from Azure.  My one complaint would be their
> payment policy - I don't feel as comfortable handing
> over $$,000 when they don't have something in stock with
> such a known long lead time.  It is a risk.  I would like to
> have seen a fractional security deposit payment with the
> remainder payed on delivery to feel totally good about it.  
> 
> In summary, I would recommend a cheaper DC system for your
> Saturn in the short term, and hold on to the Mazda for
> something more expensive later.
> 
> Tom