Questions from New Club Member

[Derwin]

I just received this email from a new member. Let's welcome him, and help him with the questions that he has. Thanks!

Hey Derwin, new member here. I am from NH. I came across the Ventureone and so far I am hooked on it. My knowledge of new electric systems like what you all are about to put into the V-1 hybrid model is new to me.

It all sounds good but I have questions, you say the only purpose of the ICE is to recharge the battery that supplies power to the motors, what happens if for some reason the battery no longer holds a charge to provide power to the motors, is there some backup that the charge that is coming from the ICE can go directly to the motor?

Also, my commute is less than 20 miles one way, will the motor have a chance to kick in and recharge the battery before I can use it again to go home. Does the ICE start up once I get in the V-1 and start my commute? Just curious.

Thanks for your time. Russ

[RAN]

To answer Russ' questions:

1- There will be several batteries, not just one, so even if one should go bad, it'll still be possible for the genset to provide power to the motor. BTW, even NiMH batteries don't go bad overnight... they slowly lose their ability to retain a full charge over time, usually measured in years.
2- the Battery Management System (BMS) is set up specific to the layout being used as far as motor size and draw, number and type of batteries, etc. Depending on the batteries used, they aren't allowed to discharge more than 80-90% under normal circumstances. So, the ICE may come on when the batteries are 60% or 70% discharged, depending on how fast you're going and whether you've got the stereo on, or a/c or heater, etc. The ICE I believe will be able to run when the V-1 is parked to re-charge the batteries, but there will also be the option to shut it off, if, say, you're 1 mile from work/home and will be able to plug it in when you get there.

Welcome to the Club Russ!