11
Jan
2010
The Winter Chill
It has been so cold lately that all work on the EV in the garage has stopped. Since the garage is unheated and it has been as cold as -20 (yes, minus twenty below zero), it has been way too cold to even think about going outside.
All is not lost. While holed up inside, I have been looking for deals on EV parts and tools online. I did manage to purchase a nice crimper (hammer style) for securing the cable ends to the battery cable. I also have been thinking about batteries. My plans are 48 volts, which I still will do just to keep costs down and it will be enough for my goal of driving around town. But, I think I may design an additional enclosed battery case in the back (between the rear bumper and tranny) to fit an extra three 12-volt batteries. This will give me a couple options if I want to upgrade later and the extra weight in the rear will help with winter traction. Plus, I figure if I plan now I won’t have to deconstruct the whole car later. Since all my EV parts will handle 48-84 volts there is some wiggle room for upgrading. If it warms up I might make it outside to take some measurements.
Stay warm!