Re: GM's Volt - The ugly math of low sales, high costs

Yup, back in the 70's there were books and Mother Earth News articles on building electric and hybrid cars. I tried to build a hybrid in about 1983, and if I'd stuck with it just being an electric, it would have been fine. I got a jet engine starter motor and 4 large trolling motor batteries. I never built an armature controller for it, just started with a series resistor and then adjusted the field for modest speed control. The VW beetle I built it into wouldn't pass inspection without having to pay somebody off, at least I think it wouldn't, you could see the back tires from the driver's seat. I had to weld a new floor in the front, which was fairly easy.

I did drive it around the neighborhood, and it was a blast. I still have the motor and the Kaylor adaptor with the old VW flywheel on it.

Jon