Now we are motoring

Well this weekend was one of actual driving the electric Mini.  The motor is mounted, the stabilizer bar connected, the controller, inverter, 18 V supply, throttle and 12 V system are all connected and operational.

So we backed out of the garage.  The electric reverse switch is a wonderful feature.  Just leave the car in 2nd gear and the motor can change direction with a flick of switch.

Heading up the hill.  No Smell, No fumes, No Gas

At the top of hill, it was quick turn-around and then coasting down at about 20 MPH.  A good test of the transmission.  Regeneration is still turned off at this point.  

Then we turned around again and headed back up for another test.  

Observations for the day

1. Electrics are quiet and you can really hear the radio and birds.
2. 25 Volts is only good for about 10 miles an hour on level ground in 2nd.  I figure we are only getting 1000 RPM.  The current meter reports about 300 amps (probably close to 33 ft-lbs of torque).  The original 988 could generate 52 ft-lbs @ 2700 RPM.  With the real batteries, the electric should easily surpass this.
3. Going up and down the block gets a little boring after awhile.  However, with limited battery capacity, it would not be wise to stray too far from home, especially where you can't coast all the way home.

Next steps.... Time to size and purchase the real batteries - Probably 26 LiIon packs... More to come....