Bricklin EV-1 Owner's Manual
Maintaining a particular speed (on level terrain) requires far less power then it takes to obtain the
speed. For instance, the reason you need 300 HP (and 300 ft. lbs. of torque) in your normal daily
driving vehicle is to allow you to accelerate the vehicles mass quickly and obtain the desired speed
quickly. Once the vehicle reaches approximately 60 MPH, on level terrain, it normally requires only
20 -30 HP to maintain the speed. Depending upon the grade of the road, speed, the road surface,
and other factors, it might require more than twice that horsepower to climb a hill.
Most internal combustion engine vehicles are designed in such a manner that the crankshaft is
spinning around 2,000 RPMs at 60 MPH. At this speed and RPM the ICE engine is close to it's
optimum efficiency – around 25% (usually less, and an average efficiency that is far less). The
electric motors can reach efficiencies of greater than 90%. Plus, when the electric vehicle is stopped
at a stoplight, the electric motor is generally not receiving any power – unless it is necessary to idle
the electric motor to power “appliances” as stated previously.
Charging System
The Bricklin EV-1 utilizes the latest technology for charging its LiFePO4 battery pack. A Power
Distribution Unit (PDU) known as the PulsaR has been designed and manufactured by NetGain
Controls, Inc. and is carried on-board the vehicle. This unit is also used to power the original 12-Volt
electrical system of the vehicle (lights, radios, etc.) It accomplishes this by converting the high voltage
traction pack to ~12 VDC and keeping the original 12-Volt battery fully charged.
This liquid cooled PDU unit is more than just an extremely powerful battery charger. This unit utilizes
CANbus communications, and can use AC input to charge the batteries at up to 24kW, but also
provides DC fast charging capability of up to 150kW. This capability would normally be accomplished
from electric vehicle to electric vehicle, or from a stationary battery pack to the vehicle battery pack.
This high power capability also means that it will be able to use future charging methods from auto
manufacturers that have not been officially released.
The selection of the charger was based upon similar criteria as the motor controller selection. The
only charger available that met (exceeded) the criteria is the PulsaR Power Distribution Unit from
NetGain Controls, Inc.
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Illustration 6: NetGain Controls, Inc. - PulsaR, Power Distribution
Unit (PDU)
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