When Lou and I decided to do the electric conversion, we first thought we would be rehabing used batteries, because our internet source said they had done it. So Lou collected old batteries for that purpose. We soon learned that any old battery was not good enough, but still used these as core exchanges for our deep cycle 6 volt batteries which we purchased through Shelton Batteries here in Vegas.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
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After we decided to get started on our electric conversion, Lou started began collecting batteries. We initially thought we could recondition them and use them in our conversion, but quickly learned that it took a specific kind of battery to get the kind of power we needed. We have not given up the idea of reconditioning, but decided to follow the advice of the pros for our first conversion, using new 6 volt, deep cycle, golf cart type batteries. These are pricey, with a range from $90 to $150 each. Because we needed 20 to create a 120 Volt system, I shopped around until I found a good price at Shelton Battery. Jeff, the owner, gave me a price of $70 each for these batteries, totaling roughly $1400 for the package. Handled properly, these batteries have a functional life of 3 to 5 years, meaning that instead of gas and oil cost, my energy cost is about $350 annually, or $29 a month. Gone are all the related repairs and maintenance costs of the gasoline engine, as well as the spiraling costs for gas itself. I can charge these batteries overnight while I sleep for pennies a day, giving me from 50 to 80 miles I can drive the next day, depending on how fast I drive. Freeway miles eat more battery energy than city driving; acceleration response is quicker and quieter than the gasoline mode.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, just in case you think I sent Lou on a wild goose chase, gathering all those batteries: there is a core charge when you purchase new batteries, a recycling requirement, which is supposed to be a matching style. Jeff at Shelton Batteries gave me a deal which allowed me to trade our collected batteries when I purchased the new 6 volt, deep cycle batteries for our conversion. We are working on a deal where we have a "Powered by Shelton Batteries" on our Electric Vehicles, so that people know where to get their batteries when they shop.
ReplyDeleteThese batteries are heavy at about 70 pounds each and are very unforgiving if you happen to drop one (which has not happened yet). Jeff gave me a special battery holding tool, which hooks into the top and allows you to carry it with one hand, if you are strong enough. I opted for the two-hand method, both to conserve strength and to be extra cautious.
ReplyDeleteMaintaining a proper charge on the batttery pack is an ongoing learning process. We have upgraded our battery charger moving from the initial Russco edition to what we call our "bad boy" charger, a Manzanita, which has capacity for 110, 220 and even 330 power sources. On 110 capacity, it will charge in about two hours, even though we leave it on overnight for deep charge. Cost comparison: $1,000 for the Russco; $2,000 for the Manzanita.
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