[KiwiEV]

Yeeeeehaaaa!
It's not only alive, but it mooooooooves!

Here's a video of the first drive right here!

For those who can't watch the video, I've included some photos of the first test drive. Not quite the same though...

There's one big EV grin!


Looking good on the road, sounding even better!


Says it all really!

I never knew driving could be this much fun again! I've owned everything from soviet off-roaders to british sports cars to convertibles to V8's and THIS is by far the coolest mode of transport I've EVER owned!


As you can hear in the video, after the trial run I've discovered three things I need to fix.

1: Battery 9 has one very sick cell even though it's brand new. I'll get that replaced under warranty.

2: The high pedal lockout doesn't work. Not sure what the cause is at this point. Perhaps I've forgotten to wire something in? I'm not using the pins on the pot box because I can't figure out how it would help using only one contactor. Suggestions anyone?

3: The contactor sticks "on" after drawing high amps. With normal driving under 300 amps it's fine. Go over that for extended periods and it has the chance of sticking, allowing power through the circuit even after you've finished driving. Flicking the ignition on & off a few times unclicks it. There's a very mild abrasion on the silver terminals but no damage. Any suggestions? Faulty contactor, wired incorrectly?

Otherwise, once I have those I'll get a new 28 pin plug for my charging system and get the back painted. Then it's certification time!!!