E vehicle Technology, EvehicleTechnology.com, is the first step in a journey of a thousand miles. My interest in electricity and magnetism goes back to my youth and my interest in active and passive solar and wind technologies goes back to my young adulthood. My schedule coupled with my ongoing interest in electric technologies applied to vehicles, dwellings and ultimately the integration of both has set the wheels in motion. Of course frustrations with our energy policies and the threats of increased fuel prices or decreased supplies has heightened my sense of urgency.
The final incentive that prodded me to begin taking action was a “chance” encounter with a family member over the Christmas Holidays. This gentleman that I had met once before works for a big high tech company on the west coast. Some people talk things to death, this man took action. He took an old Volkswagen, removed the gasoline engine and replaced it with an electric motor. He uses conventional lead acid batteries and a host of integrated electrical equipment. He commutes daily in this vehicle. I had one of the more spellbinding conversations of my life with him and I was obviously inspired.
I have begun much research on electric motors, batteries and vehicles that are candidates. Most, if not all, vehicles can be converted. The obvious biggest concerns are weight and room for the batteries. The common denominator so far is distance that can be traveled on one charge of the batteries. I am looking into generators that can be placed on board or towed behind. I have already discovered that others are exploring this and apparently there is a new Jeep that has this capability built in.
I hope to integrate solar and wind to charge the batteries while parked and possibly in motion. The ultimate will be feeding excess energy back to a dwelling. My dream is to have an RV powered by an electric motor, solar cells and wind with an auxiliary gas or propane generator. When parked the excess electricity would be fed back into the grid. I also wish to do the same with a boat someday. An electric powered boat seems like an excellent idea.
This may be a long slow journey. I will keep you updated.
Thanks for reading.
E vehicle Technology, EvehicleTechnology.com copyright 2010
