Volt Runner

Pros

Cons

1. ZERO tailpipe emissions (no tailpipe) contributes to reducing greenhouse gases in the environment

2. Contributes to our country's reduced dependency on fossil fuels

3. No annual Washington State emissions inspection/fees and possible costs to repair inspection issues

4. Electric motor wastes NO fuel whatsoever any time an EV is stopped in traffic

5. Low fuel costs of about $.02/mile using conveniently purchased electricity from PSE ($3.00 of electricity powers EV 150 miles)

A couple times a year, I feel an obligation to purchase some overpriced junk food at a gas station when stopping by to put free air in tires

6. Extremely low maintenance costs. Less than $100.00 over a 2 1/2 year period

Repair parts for my project car's electric power components are not readily available from a local auto parts chain or car dealer

7. Didn't have to wait 3 years for an "affordable," mass produced, highway capable EV to start driving one

8. Electric heating is instantaneous, no need for engine to warm up.

Electric heating affects EV's range and depending on distance needing to be traveled, can potentially reduce range to an unacceptable level when used thoughtlessly

9. EV can be used for 90% of my automobile transportation needs

Can’t be used for 10% of my automobile transportation needs which means EVs will not meet everyone's needs

10. Can use Volt Runner to educate people about and demonstrate the practicality of using an EV for automobile transportation

15 minute errand to the store now takes 45 minutes to an hour due to being stopped and asked questions by people wanting to be educated

Potentiometer:

Converts accelerator pedal’s mechanical movement into an electrical signal proportional to pedal’s movement

Controller:

Small computer w/solid state power relays/switches. It meters the amount of electricity sent to electric motor proportional to electrical signal from potentiometer (functions like a 300,000 Watt [max.] dimmer switch)

Battery charger:

Uses either 110V or 220V electric current input with automatic shut-off to charge batteries to specified voltages.

Battery Management System

The BMS controls the charge voltages applied to individual lithium battery cells and communicates current status of each cell

Battery pack monitor:

Displays the rate of battery pack discharge and cumulative total of power used from batteries

Electric vacuum pump:

Generates vacuum for power-assisted brakes
    (required because there is no internal combustion
    engine [ICE] that is usually used for vacuum source)

Inverter:

Steps down 154V battery pack’s voltage to 12V for operating accessories (lights, horn, electric vacuum pump)

ü      Pollution reduction controls (PCV valve*, catalytic converter*)

ü      Exhaust system (manifold, gasket*, muffler*, tailpipe*, brackets, etc.)

ü      Ignition system (spark plugs*, wires*, timing chain*, etc)

ü      Engine lubrication system (oil*, pump*, seals*, rings*, drive belt*)

ü      Engine cooling system (coolant*, fan, pump*, seals*, drive belt*)

ü      Electricity generator for ignition, accessories, and recharging battery

ü      Flammable liquid fuel storage

ü      Flammable liquid fuel flow control and metering (filter*, pump*, injectors*)

* an item requiring maintenance