Batteries

So, today after a period of relative inactivity, we paid for and brought home the batteries and the motor controller. By far the most expensive part of the build, the battery pack consists of 8 unpleasant to move 6 volt lead acid deep cycle batteries. Three will be mounted under the hood on the front chassis cross-member and the other 5 will be mounted in the trunk. The videos chronicling this exciting day will soon be posted.

Electric Corolla Gets New Shoes

Today, we bought two used tires to replace the "Winston Classics."  These have the benefit of no steel belts hanging out of the side.  Now we might pass the inspection.  These tires have a bit taller sidewall, but they were cheap!

Look! Tread!

New(to us) Rubber!

Happy Holidays

Sorry about the lack of updates, we've been busy celebrating the holidays.  We hope to go tire shopping on Saturday to replace the bald tires.  That's really the only obstacle preventing the car from passing the state inspection :).

A Trip to the Pierce Residence

We decided to see how far two car batteries could take the car.  Answer: about 3/4 of a mile.  Hilarity ensues.

Third Drive

We took the Corolla for a third drive, this time with Ms. Robertson of the Virginia Gazette at the wheel.  I don't think she believed that the car is safe.  Probably something to do with the sparking batteries by her feet.

Post Drive

The batteries went dead after a few minutes, since car batteries aren't meant to move the car.  The setup created lots of sparks and heat by my feet!  Here is the melted battery terminal after the jaunt.

The Corolla's First Electric Drive

The first drive!  We used 2 car batteries conveniently located near my feet to drive the car down the street.  The 24 volts pulled the car pretty strongly, but didn't allow us to get out of first.  It should be better with the 48 volt golf cart batteries.

Testing the New Coupler

The Coupler

Aidan and his grandfather constructed this lovely coupler!  Thanks!

Grinding the Clutch Spider

"It almost burned a hole in my pants" - Aidan

The spider was reused as part of the coupler.