Why an Electric Truck?

A: Electric vehicles are an environmentally sound alternative to traditional gas-burning vehicles. Electrically powered vehicles will help Maine meet its clean air goals in addition to reducing noise pollution.

Bangor Hydro's electric truck is a converted 1987 Chevrolet S-10 pickup that has already gone more than 100,000 miles as a gas-powered vehicle. Bangor Hydro chose to convert this truck to electric power to test the practicality of this form of transportation in Maine

Q: How do you "fill'er up?"
A: The Bangor Hydro electric truckplugs into either a 120 or 240 volt outlet to recharge its batteries. It's onboard 120 volt battery charger allows the truck to be charged using any household outlet. This feature keeps the truck from having to return to the stationary 240 volt charger each time the batteries get low. Recharging takes 4 to 8 hours with a 240 volt charger and longer with 120 volt electricity.

Q: How far can it go on a charge?
A: The range is up to 70 miles, with a top speed of 65 miles per hour. (As a point of comparison, 90 percent of the cars in America travel less than 25 miles per day.)

Q: What kind of batteries does it run on?
A: Twenty 6 volt, lead-acid batteries supply power to the motor. The batteries are similar to conventional automotive batteries, but more powerful. Hooked up in series, the batteries provide 120 volts to the motor. One standard 12 volt car battery runs the accessories.

Q: How does the fuel economy compare to a gas engine's?
A: It's comparable. Running on gasoline the Chevy S-10 achieved 20 miles per gallon. When gas costs $1.10 a gallon, that comes to $0.055 per mile. If the electric powered truck goes 60 miles on a single charge, the fuel cost is $0.052 per mile based on $0.13/kWh.

Q: What about maintenance?
A:Maintenance is minimal. Unlike internal combustion engines, electric motors have only one moving part. No pistons, no exhaust system, no pollution control devices are needed.

Q: What's involved in converting a vehicle to electric power?
A: All gas-related parts were removed including the engine, cooling system, exhaust system and alternator. These were replaced by an electric motor, battery pack, onboard charger and wiring.

Q: Who did the job?
A: Students at Eastern Maine Technical College in Bangor retrofitted the Chevy S-10 as a class project and unique learning experience.

Q: Are we all going to be driving electric cars?
A: Not right away. Many car manufacturers are working on electric vehicles, and General Motors has a prototype that goes from 0 to 60 in 8 seconds. While the technology is still experimental and mass production is not yet economical, the electric car of today can provide an acceptable form of transportation for a variety of people.

Q: What's the most practical use for electric vehicles?
A: Clean, silent electric vehicles make sense in many situations. Potential uses include public transportation, short commutes, urban and suburban deliveries, and service calls. Bangor Hydro's converted service truck is a good example.

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