THE ELECTRIC EGGPLANT LIVES!

Maiden voyage to Starbucks!

The fuse came today.   I wired it in (correctly, this time), and checked for alignment of the motor while it was still on jackstands.  Took it down the hill for coffee, and back up the hill. (1.6 miles).  Hills are tough....I took the family for a joyride around the neighborhood, and down a big hill.  Coming back up the steep hill was slow, and sucked a lot of juice.

On the same charge (SOC read 76V), I decided to take it to SWC, 2.5 miles away.  Downhill is NO problem (gravity, y'know?).  Coming back up hill, I ran out of juice.  Odometer read approx 9 miles elapsed when it died.  I got a pull home (10.8 miles for the day).

Now, I probably didn't have a full charge in the pack when I started today.  I've read that conditioned batteries and worn-in motor brushes will improve efficiency and range.  I will also look for a place at school where I can park near a power outlet, and surreptitiously charge while I'm at work (shhh...don't tell!)

I think this will work as a commuter vehicle...these are growing pains. (I hope!)

It lives, though!  The wheels turn.  It rolls by electric.