Converting Electric Cars for the Road in Oregon

(SALEM, Ore.) - We have talked about the development of the electric car movement for years here at Salem-News.com. Now, with the price of gasoline accelerating like a rocket, it seems like the business timing of Larry Dye's Electric Wheels in Salem could not be in better sync with our economy.

The gas prices according to the experts and trends, will not improve any time soon. People are looking seriously at alternative transportation for the first time. In this article I will discuss the current status and some key information that may leave you wanting to explore the idea of owning your own electric car.

There are many questions about electric powered vehicles, and those who read our stories, see the videos and take the time to visit Larry's dealership in Salem, learn that the cars are more viable than they initially believed. There is always more to learn, especially at a time when technology is having an impact so large and so quickly, that most of us are not even aware of it yet.

The bottom line is that if you live and work in town, then you can drive an electric car that costs less than ten thousand dollars brand new, and never have to put a drop of gasoline in it. The cost savings under ideal circumstances can hardly be overestimated. The cars at Electric Wheels come in three wheeled design and those are actually licensed as motorcycles, and the new model sold by Electric Wheels, the Revolution, a standard four wheeled car.

These have all of the regular features of a gasoline car for the most part. The Revolution is Chinese, but Suzuki has an interest in the company and as a result the car has the Suzuki emblem emblazoned on the wheels and on the steering wheel. This adds a touch of familiarity to the car from the makers of the popular Samurai. The Revolution seriously resembles the Mercedes Benz Smart Car. The thing is, the Smart car costs several times what this car costs; and it is not electric. The oil-based fuel technology of the MBZ allows it to travel at freeway speeds, you get what you pay for, but the car still requires traditional fuel to operate.

Certain hybrid cars have gained significant popularity in the United States. There are several now, but the premier hybrid car is the Toyota Prius, and I can report to you that they do deliver an honest 50 miles per gallon, based on the experience of my brother, Kenneth King in Sacramento, California, who has owned and operated a Prius for two years with his wife Susan, they can't say enough good things about it.

One of the major factors in the development of the electric auto is the ever present battery system. Larry Dye is working with new technology lithium ion batteries that are incredibly powerful and he has been selected to provide the batteries that will power the conversion of Neal Young's late 50's Lincoln Continental to hybrid power. CNN reports that the crew working on the lincvolt.com project expects to see the oversized car achieve an honest 100 mpg.

My first hint of the vast difference the new batteries represent was revealed at a hobby shop where enthusiasts buy radio controlled airplanes and accessories. I learned that day in 2004 that the new lithium ion batteries in electric R/C planes had twice the life and used a third the weight and space of the type of batteries they replaced.

Now imagine that same advantage for electric cars. We have had different ones built but not widely distributed over the years that worked very well. We even had them on our nation's roads close to a century ago, but the new battery technology means the power is way up, and the weight and size are way down.

So where does that leave us? If our needs are addressed by a local commuter car with a top speed limited by law, then we can shop for a brand new, inexpensive car at Electric Wheels. If you want a freeway speed electric car, you are shopping somewhere else and you are paying big money if you can find one at all.

One example that does exist is shown in the main picture. The Tesla Roadster is beautiful but almost experimental at this point with a price tag just under 100k.

Another car, AC Propulsion's tzero roadster, does 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds on only 200 horsepower. In general terms, electric car horsepower is measured differently, and what they are rated for and capable of are different matters. The California based company that makes the tzero says it is on a par with Corvettes, Porsche 911s--and even a Ferrari F355, in terms of performance.

The most interesting thing I learned about it is that the car averaged 100 miles on a charge with traditional lead-acid batteries, and it now goes 280-300 miles on a charge. If you romp on it it will reduce the range by 20%, which sounds more than reasonable.

The problem is that the U.S. Department of Transportation has very stringent crash test requirements and companies with new cars have to produce several for the government to smash up in various ways to determine their ability to survive a crash. Perhaps that isn't a problem, the extensive tesying keeps more people alive they say, but to the small entrepreneur it makes the possibility of success a very expensive notion.

In the earlier part of the 20th Century, car manufacturers sprang up all over the country. Where today there are three major manufacturers in the United States, in the 1920's there were hundreds at varying times. They made some great cars too for the limited technology that then existed, and some were electric if you didn't know that.

My father, the late Charles King, remembered that in the 1930's, one large delivery company in Los Angeles operated all electric trucks. They went slow but were on the road for years from what he recalled.

Because of all of those conversations over the years about electric cars with my father, my interest always remained strong. We had several discussions about the idea of converting gas cars to electric. He thought it was the greatest idea in the world; I am increasingly understanding why.

Any gas or diesel car can be converted to electric. The process among other things, removes the gas tank, the radiator, the oil and the grease which is never a bad thing. This means a cleaner working environment for the mechanic, which supports of the idea of taking a smog producing vehicle off the road and bringing it back as something different.

The idea is to take a car and remove the drivetrain and replace it with an AC electric motor, converter for power distribution, and equip it with the new batteries available in the U.S. exclusively through Larry Dye's dealership.

If anyone is interested in developing and/or purchasing a conventional electric car conversion through a partnership with Larry Dye and myself, please write to me, Tim King, at newsroom@salem-news.com to discuss the idea further and refine plans for an order which will be constructed at Electric Wheels in Salem.

Ideas on the table include some unique, developing solar technology applications. Anyone working with us would be the first on the block to reap the rewards of that technology when it becomes available.

The success of any project of this nature is based on its power to weight ratio. Large cars can be converted, but they will not yield the results that a smaller car will. We have a list of vehicles that can be used and any projects we sell that we generate will be cars that are refurbished with new paint and other items to assure their road worthiness. Converting a customer's existing car is an option as well.

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Kay Ehm June 27, 2014 12:11 pm (Pacific time)

This is all good advice. Electric cars are a necessity in this day and age of pollution gone wild. And you can find them at very reasonable prices too, even here in Salem. I bought mine from Midtown Motors on 12th Street (check them out at midtownmotorssalem.com) However now I feel guilty that I didn't convert my old car and instead sold it so I could buy my current smart car. That old car is still out there, doing damage... :/

Frank Sanford January 17, 2012 1:08 pm (Pacific time)

Scientist ,businessmen and palliation's need to work in harmony with each other, we need stronger environmental laws to regulate the emissions in every sector of our business and personal community, automobiles pollutants are the biggest danger to our environment at the current time, that said, the manufacturing and mass producing of electric vehicles should be on top of the list along with converting petroleum service stations to quick battery exchange centers. Its time to make a bold move and stop the manufacturing of petroleum consuming automobiles. Frank Sanford http://www.sanfordsautomotive.com

Henry Ruark June 3, 2008 4:03 pm (Pacific time)

T-Lee et al: Might want to check upcoming Op Ed re impact of Bush realities --both B-1 and B-2, that is, and starting with Reagan. If you have the guts, read also the special refs. in the Reader's Note, nicely linked for your convenience. Then perhaps you'd care to offer us your own Op Ed offsetting the national-level flood of materials now become highly evident re when our current debacle started, who drove it for thirty years, and what it means for our current remnant of a democracy.

Tommy Lee June 2, 2008 1:14 pm (Pacific time)

Jason, Why do you respond to opposing viewpoints with personal attacks – especially when it comes to intelligence? You might try re-reading your post to check it for properly constructed sentences. Your punctuation appear as if it’s a guessing game for you. As far as the energy mess we’re in it’s always easy to simply blame everything on President Bush. It requires no thinking or critical analysis of all the complex factors that affect demand and supply. I could just as easily blame it on the environmentalists whose stated goal has always been to raise the price of gas to five dollars a gallon. If we had built nuclear plants 12 years ago oil demand would be much lower and would be about $40 a barrel right now. So rather than thrash EV critics why not simply post rational and concrete arguments. Better yet, why not put your money where your mouth is and start an EV manufacturing company? If you build a better product than the Aptera I have on order I’ll buy it regardless of your political affiliation.

Glade D May 29, 2008 6:40 am (Pacific time)

As far as the economics go, lead acid batteries _are_ a problem. If you got 8k miles out of a $1200 battery pack then you just paid 15 cents/mile which puts you close to the same price as an ordinary passenger car pays for gas. However, maintenance costs on an electric car are MUCH lower, and if you get one that registers as a motorcycle (like the Xebra) then you save a bundle on insurance too. Disclaimer: I drive a Xebra from EWI and love it.

Henry Ruark May 28, 2008 7:25 pm (Pacific time)

Matt et al: Your key-phrase is: "you didn't read this article" --which is obviously true for the one causing him to spew out that "ethical" trash, too. But now we know, and can "evaluate" him simply by his sign-in; or if he again demonstrates untrustworthy analysis by what he states. Thanks, Matt; and rest in peace, T/B; or pieces, preferably.

Allen Funt May 28, 2008 6:06 pm (Pacific time)

Say Matt, that is a smart observation. Too bad people are slow to recognize emerging technology, but then look who they elected to run this country... I guess we can't expect much. This is a great article and I am seriously considering buying an electric car, thanks!

Matt Johnson May 28, 2008 5:31 pm (Pacific time)

Hey kerry Bradshaw, you are full of it, and so I guess it is appropriate that you would spew the word "crap" in every other sentence. Where have you been? You don't know what you are talking about, and I also suspect you didn't read this article with its points about the new lithium ion batteries, what a loser you are. You also don't have any knowledge of war funding history, some kind of a liar and I'm sorry your comment was even allowed here.

Latenorther May 28, 2008 4:23 pm (Pacific time)

Hmmm... I beg to differ that electric vehicles are not viable. I drive one daily. Fact (from the US Dept. of Transportation): 90 % of trips are 12 miles or less. My Xebra takes me just about everywhere, except the gas station! HA! Fact: every bit of energy used by a Prius comes from gasoline. Toyota refuses (or is forbidden) to sell its plug-in version in the US. Thank you Cheney administration. Yes, we all know Bush is Cheney's toy, specifically a puppet. Vote Ron Paul 2008, cause even Hillary is more of the same.

robo1936 May 28, 2008 5:58 am (Pacific time)

As you are most probably aware petrol in the UK is about $10 a gallon and rising steadily and diesel is even more so we are really interested over here in EV but those available are either pretty primitive or cvery expensive about $20000 dollars plus so the Revolution would be a real bonanza for an agent here. They are producing a range rover over here,electric, costing $200000 to $250000 dollars so the price of the Tessla seems to be small fry compared to that and I am sure the range rover will sell quite well here. America please drag the UK into the 21st century with the EV and without ripping the motorist off.

Dave May 27, 2008 7:01 pm (Pacific time)

Been driving Electric for 2 years now. Still can't get that damn smile off my face. Dave

Henry Ruark May 27, 2008 6:33 pm (Pacific time)

Jason et al: Your kind comment truly appreciated, sir, albeit was confused for a moment whose term almost-over you were referring to !! At 90, that's always momentary response. Then understood you referred to Bush II --always make sure to mention both IandII since the world-mess we now fighting does cometh from Bush I via Reagan-role as actor making believe he was actually our President. AND yes, would run for 2nd term if anyone were to be so allowed, but not too bothered with this one: I gets my shots and pulls de trigger, mostly with some satisfactions, even with the occasional miss.

Henry Ruark May 27, 2008 6:26 pm (Pacific time)

To all: Surely T/B, with that kind of comment on story, has checked-back here a time or two... Yet no response, as to be expected from ethical human aware of own human failings, and also not averse to playing role as commentator with very negative response to Tim's reasonable, rational report. SO, T/B., when challenged on obvious error, you just gonna run away ? Then why should we ever trust you again as commentator on ANYthing ? If friends see this, please call it to K/B's attention, in all fairness, just in case he did miss previous responses from me. Otherwise, obvious erroneous judgment earns him due consequences, especially if UN-remediated by proper response when required.

Jason May 27, 2008 6:00 pm (Pacific time)

I enjoyed the article and I appreciate the input of Hank Ruark. He has the guts to honestly assess Bush and members of his administration as the cause for all the world's problems. His term is almost over and if there is some legal beagle stuff coming up, then let them have at it. That figure of trillion is a hell of a thing to reveal, the kind of thing you wish you never learn, it is so absurd, does Bush have any idea what he is talking about? Methinks no! Especially after reviewing the record of old W... almost as bad as that decaying monstrosity Karl Rove. Honesty, ethics and integrity is what most professions call for, Republicans probably can't spell the words.

Henry Ruark May 27, 2008 12:59 pm (Pacific time)

To all: For clarity re content at-issue with k.B., which he did NOT see prior to comment, here's lead-sentence: "The invasion of Iraq by Britain and the U.S. has raised the price of oil, according to a leading expert, costing the world a staggering $6 trillion in higher energy prices alone." "See with own eyes" at: www.alternet.org/module/printversion86515 and evaluate with own mind to see whether my comment was accurate, stating "tied directly to oil depletion" --without any reference to U.S. budget. IF K.B. has quarrel on the numbers, it is with assuredly expert-cited and not with me. I await his withdrawal of that slur re ethics, and care not at all about common error he committed causing misunderstanding; but error does not permit casual abuse in open public channel, by any ethical person.

Henry Ruark May 27, 2008 12:26 pm (Pacific time)

To all: Momentarily, checked Rove-story to find my comment to which KH takes such intense disagreement has NOT YET even appeared, so he is shooting off mouth without ever having seen the content of what he thinks he is shooting-at. I'm happy we have gun control laws if such are free to roam, as well as write... Re ethics, actions speak louder than words, even his. For any ethical journalist, it is mayhem and madness to charge ethical violations vs anyone without ever having even skimmed what the content at issue states --yet that's precisely what has occurred here, proven by fact the words I shared are NOT YET available where-referred. SO, K.B., where's your apology, now that you must admit that inescapable fact ? It is acceptable to commit error via omission of any check --but one does not then rush headlong into ethical accusations, and when shown to be in error continue with no remediating action. SO ?? Let's hear from you. IF you wish complete content I shared, ID self to Editor Tim and we can continue dialog in more civilized fashion.

Henry Ruark May 27, 2008 12:14 pm (Pacific time)

K.B. et: You misread both numbers and source, as well as meaning, from what I shared. Check again and you will see it is without any direct connection with U.S. budget, built entirely on estimates from world consumption, and seen clearly as an "unforeseen consequence" --which was why I cited it. IF you have documentation for your view, please cite it, as I did for this one, opening it for evaluation from those equipped to understand both the plain English and the meaning they clearly convey. I note you fail to do so for your points vs the article, and we have no ID for you but a name, meaningless without responsibility and accountability both stated by information, or bolstered by direct reference to checkable sources we can "see with own eyes" and use own brain to evaluate, beyond what you state with no support except perhaps your own ego. Re ethics, it is customary in journalism to cite some checkable references if in opposition, withholding nasty names or personal attack. There is a name for those who do otherwise, but --for ethical reasons-- I refrain from using it here.

kerry Bradshaw May 27, 2008 9:44 am (Pacific time)

Pushing the crappy technology of battery-only electrics is a surefire way to turn the public against electric propulsion. The plug-in hybrid is the only technology that makes any sense or has any economic reality. Battery-only electrics simply don't have a viable, cost effective battery and therefore aren't even remotely viable as an alternative to gas powered vehicles and those that shill for this crappy technology are defrauding the public. Prepare to pay 4 times as much for batteries as you do for gasoline. The killer is that a plug-in can accomplsh everything a battery-only electric can and IS a viable replacement for a gas powered car. It can actually go into the next county and get back. Or the next state, or the next country. And as for Ruark's nonsense - the Iraqi war is not costing any $6 trillin dollars. That's as crooked a view of the monetary cost as can be imagined. We would have an enormously larger deficit if that figure had any accuracy whatsoever. But we don't. And it doesn't. And he talks about ethics!!!!!!

Henry Ruark May 27, 2008 8:39 am (Pacific time)

To all: For anyone still in any possible doubt re absolute necessity to develop any, all possible substitutes for the oil disaster we now face, see Comment under Rove-story re recent $6 TRILLION Iraq-war costs tied directly to oil depletion. Thanks, Tim, for this solid review of essential facts on development of electric car. For me it represents one demanded role of ethical and strong daily in our democracy.

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Converting Electric Cars for the Road in Oregon

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