Given the changed criteria where we have to include co$t of batteries into the mix...
Does that figure include the cost of connectors, the bus, and the revisions to the bus and connectors? Because these directly affect sag and efficiency.
The original LiFePO4 batteries that came with my kit were returned as damaged, and instead I opted to go with Zippy FlightMax 5S1P 15/2C 5Ah LiPo from HK. Each brick cost roughly $50 each (after shipping), and I have purchased 86 of them over 3 years, so that's $4300. I have spent at least $200 on APP and their tool, and easily that again in repairing them, followed by another $200 in replacement. Let's just make it an even $5k.
Of those 86 batteries, I use 18 for the "Commuter pack". The rest are divvied up into other packs used to extend my range for cross-country. The most I've ever used for a single trip was 78 in a 15S26P configuration. The average distance on that trip was about 150 miles/day.
I've had three separate charging systems in three years. The first was a 150W joke meant for LiFePO4; replaced after 6 months with a 350W Meanwell misfire assembly, which was replaced a year later by a better design using 1000W Meanwell assembly; figure about $600 altogether counting wire and connectors.
I don't own a BMS, but I do balance from time to time. I've used various concepts for that purpose, though generally speaking, the cost was about $300.
Right, so now were close to $6k in total investment after three years. I've traveled close to 10,000 miles, though we can deduct about 3,000 as cost-free cos I was on the road and didn't pay for the energy.
I previously calculated that I can go 1000.25 miles for the same cost as a gallon of petrol @ $3.89 USD.
(7000/1000.25) * 3.89 = $27.22 USD.
Wow, that's chimp change when compared to nearly $6k price tag to get there. Back to reality, I have traveled about 10k miles with about $6k investment which is about 1-2/3 miles/dollar, or about 6.48 miles/gallon. That's less than my 4x4 which gets between 11 to 14 mpg. But take heart: The mileage I'm getting as an EV goes up each year -
if I were to stop tinkering. :wink:
There's no chance of that.
On the flip-side, I don't have to pay for a license for myself, or my ride, or for insurance - which equates to hundreds in savings.
I recently planned another road trip. These are fun, but they too have a cost running about $100/day cos the room at the motel is about $60-75/day + food and libation. Doesn't count repairs - if any. My family is gathering for the annual summer campfire. I calculated that if I could average 180 miles/day that it would take me roughly 5 days to get there... about $400 one way. The roundtrip plane ticket to fly south is about is about $200; they'd have to come get me and take me back - 2 hours each way by road using their gas. Still - it's cheaper when you do the calculus.
So the question that I have to the OP is... at what point does it become pointless to consider the costs of efficiency when determining "mpg", and by what barometer of reason should we be judgmental of encumbrance born onto us by hobby? I do this for fun, for exercise, for health, for my sanity - to give my mind something to do, for the challenge, to advance my comprehension, to share with others in an EV-commune, for bragging rights, as a resume piece, cos I'm a single goobery nerd, and cos I feel like I'm sticking it to
The Man - wherever he may be.
As it is, my investment is a complete tax write-off for my business, so there again I am saving 20-30% amortized over 5 years... I think. Out of the original 86 batteries I have 71 in good shape - ready to rumble anytime. There are 12 in the rework pile; I might be able to salvage up to a 1/3. That leaves 3 which were decommissioned; complete loss. Not a good record I suppose, but that first year was a pretty steep learning curve and really hard on the cells. Unless they're padded, going cross-country beats the crap out of my investment. The Commuter pack batteries are in really great shape after a year, and I haven't had to replace a single one - nor have any puffed one tiny bit. I suppose as a fledgling LiPo Daddy there's hope for me yet. Gawds helps me should I have kids!
To conclude, and I must - in terms of the commuter pack, my mileage increases with each passing season. As an owner of a large investment, I am a failure on my first year, perhaps earning a substandard passing grade on the second, and approaching a good steward in the third. I have made improvements to my ebike that have increased performance and extended my range. More will be required for the next road trip - though I expect the sticker shock will be less. Everything is relative. The only thing that is absolute is the period at the end of this sentence.
Safe travels,
KF
Fun budget is always all the rest of your money after paying for food and a house.
