FAQ's
HOW FAR CAN I DRIVE WITHOUT RE-CHARGING?
IS IT DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE?
FAQ's
Green Motors Inc.
Most electric conversions have a range of approximately 30-60 miles,
depending on driving style. This is based on road tests of a typical daily
commute. This means some surface street driving, then mostly freeway
driving, then more surface street driving. This range will be sufficient for most people as the average commute is less than 35 miles.
No, in fact, it is easier to drive an electric vehicle than the same vehicle
with internal combustion engine. The reason it is easier, is the fact that you
do not need to shift as much. I usually only use 2nd & 3rd gears, 2nd gear
for surface streets and 3rd for the freeway. Also, while at a stop light you
do not have to hold in the clutch because there is no need to idle the
engine unless you are running the air conditioner. So it is similiar to driving an automatic transmission that you have to shift occasionally.
No. There is very little maintenance involved in the upkeep of electric vehicles. It is important to check the tire pressure weekly, as a low tire pressure will effect the range of the vehicle. Once a month, it's necessary check the battery terminals for corrosion and loose connections. Every two months, check the battery electrolyte levels and fill to the proper level.
WHAT IS THE COST PER MILE TO DRIVE AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE?
Depending on the time of day you charge and the rate plan you are on the cost
per mile will range from 5 cents per mile to less than 1 cent per mile. The most cost effective way to charge your vehicle is to be on a rate plan that has a
much lower rate per KWH at night, reducing the cost per charge.
IS IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE?
WHAT IS THE TOP SPEED OF THE VEHICLE?
The top speed is 75 mph. However, driving that speed will reduce the range of the vehicle.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CHARGE THE VEHICLE?
It takes 10-11 hours to re-charge after a 30 mile trip. The charge time can be
reduced by changing the charger to 220 volt input charger.
WHAT ABOUT LITHIUM BATTERIES?
Lithium batteries are in the early production and sales, which makes them much
more expensive. It would add approximately $15,000.00 to a conversion if it were
ordered that way. Best estimates are that the price will be down to a reasonable cost in 5-7 years, about the time lead-acid batteries will need to be replaced.
CAN YOU CONVERT MY CAR TO ELECTRIC POWER?
Yes. We can convert your car to electric power. Some models make better
candidates than others. The adaptor plate that ties the existing transmission to the
electric motor is the most important piece to get. There are patterns for many vehicles that have already been converted, most of them are manual transmission. If you really want your own car converted, it can be done. However, it may take some time to get the adaptor plates patterned and fabricated if that model has not been patterned previously.
HOW DO I GET THE MOST RANGE FROM MY VEHICLE?
To get the most range from your EV your driving style needs to be conservative. No racing from stop to stop. You need to look as far ahead in traffic as you can, coast at the first sign of needing to slow down. Reduce moving from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal. As you practice driving your EV you will see the ability to coast ahead, lights changing, traffic merging, traffic slowing, etc. Driving at a constant speed will increase your range as well. Once you are at a constant speed you may be able to lower your amp draw and maintain the same speed, so, keeping an eye on your ammeter is the best strategy while underway. Also, your ammeter will keep your energy use under controll throughout your trip. 400 amps while accelerating, 300 amps to climb moderate hills or pass traffic, 200 amps on the freeway,100 amps on surface streets. These are guidelines you may be able to use less than these, if your car is heavier your numbers may be a little higher. These are the same things to get better gas milage in a gas powered car. These are the same things taught in defensive driving, now you will be safer and be able to drive further between charges.
How much will it cost to convert my car to electric power?
The major factors needed to get an accurate price quote are as follows:
What range do you need?
What input voltage do you need to use 110 or 220 volts?
Does your car have A/C?
Does your car have power steering?
Does your car have vacuum assist brakes?
Do you want to have a heater in the car for defrosting etc?
The cost to convert a car is different in most cases. Please contact us for a price to convert your car to electric.