I'm converting a 2002 Chevy S-10 Shortbed. Key components are an ADC 9-inch motor and a DCP Raptor 1200 controller.
Weight of the truck after removal of engine, exhaust, fuel system, etc.: 2600 lbs.
Have considered using 13 Optima D31A YellowTops, but I'm mindful of the battery weight rule-of-thumb; namely, that batteries should account for one-third of the vehicle's finished weight.
I haven't added anything back to the truck yet, but let's say that cables, battery boxes, and all the other stuff add back 500 lbs, which would put the truck back up to 3100 lbs.
That would suggest a battery load of roughly 1530 lbs., if I were to observe the one-third rule.
So you can understand why I'm concerned about the YellowTops. I'll need 13 of them to get 156 volts, but -- at 60 lbs. each -- they only add up to 780 lbs. That is only 1/4 the finished weight; not 1/3.
Here are my questions:
-- Will I sacrifice handling and drivability with an "underweight" battery load?
-- Would I still need to put at least one or two of these YTs under the hood, or could I safely put all of them in the bed?
Before you answer, I'll just give these additional details:
-- The truck will be a daily driver. Total distance from home to work and back: 32 miles.
-- Fortunately, I WILL be able to charge at work.
-- Need to keep up with freeway traffic. Occasional peppy accelerations, with a top sustained speed of 60 mph.
-- Planning to protect the YTs with BattEQ balancers.
I've also considered flooded lead, but I'm concerned about the adverse effects of heavy current draw.
Thanks in advance for any guidance you might have.
Cheers,
Steve Kobb
_______________________________________________
For subscription options, see
http://lists.sjsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/ev
Weight of the truck after removal of engine, exhaust, fuel system, etc.: 2600 lbs.
Have considered using 13 Optima D31A YellowTops, but I'm mindful of the battery weight rule-of-thumb; namely, that batteries should account for one-third of the vehicle's finished weight.
I haven't added anything back to the truck yet, but let's say that cables, battery boxes, and all the other stuff add back 500 lbs, which would put the truck back up to 3100 lbs.
That would suggest a battery load of roughly 1530 lbs., if I were to observe the one-third rule.
So you can understand why I'm concerned about the YellowTops. I'll need 13 of them to get 156 volts, but -- at 60 lbs. each -- they only add up to 780 lbs. That is only 1/4 the finished weight; not 1/3.
Here are my questions:
-- Will I sacrifice handling and drivability with an "underweight" battery load?
-- Would I still need to put at least one or two of these YTs under the hood, or could I safely put all of them in the bed?
Before you answer, I'll just give these additional details:
-- The truck will be a daily driver. Total distance from home to work and back: 32 miles.
-- Fortunately, I WILL be able to charge at work.
-- Need to keep up with freeway traffic. Occasional peppy accelerations, with a top sustained speed of 60 mph.
-- Planning to protect the YTs with BattEQ balancers.
I've also considered flooded lead, but I'm concerned about the adverse effects of heavy current draw.
Thanks in advance for any guidance you might have.
Cheers,
Steve Kobb
_______________________________________________
For subscription options, see
http://lists.sjsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/ev