The purpose of this demonstration program was to utilize 15 electric vehicles at three AFLC bases and demonstrate their functional capabilities within the federal fleet. The electric vehicles (EV) were to perform functions usually accomplished by internal combustion vehicles (ICV). The electric vehicles (nine pickups and six vans) provided by Jet Industries, Austin, Texas, were conventional internal combustion powered vehicles with the 90 horsepower engine and gasoline tank replaced by a 30 horsepower electric motor and lead acid propulsion batteries. Charging stations were constructed on the using installations to allow the vehicles to charge overnight. Deep cycling was required to develop memory of batteries. The batteries required a regular maintenance program including equalizing charges, terminal inspection and cleaning to avoid corrosion damage to battery terminals, connectors and wires. Weak batteries in the pack formed hazardous hydrogen gas during charge causing two explosions at one of the using bases. This ultimately resulted in termination of the program. Other problems encountered during the program are listed. (ERA citation 10:010052)
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Demonstration Project. Final Report
1984
8 pages
Report
No indication
English