Evaluation of Electric Vehicles as an Alternative for Work Trip and ...

annual weeklong event in the Northeast that was identified as a cost-
effective means for the CCEVD partners to gather performance data and
information about electric vehicles. The data, gathered at the ATdS
under their tightly controlled conditions would serve as benchmarks for
data gathered subsequently from commuter driving. In even-numbered
years the ATdS is run on relatively flat highway terrain. In the odd-
numbered years they hold the week-long event on hilly and mountainous
highway terrain. The event is professionally organized, well run and
has an excellent safety record. CCEVD obtained data at the 1995 ATdS
about their EV’s performance; information about nationally recognized
data analysis methods (those used by ATdS organizers); and, comparison
information and data about other similar and dissimilar vehicles that
were entered. However, the CCEVD evaluation of the ALAB car ended
shortly after the 1995 ATdS due to battery failure. The vehicle was
returned to the EV manufacturer for diagnosis and repair of the
ALAB/battery charger/battery management system, under a separate NAVC
engineering project.
The Department initiated this research project in early 1996 to
partner with the ongoing CCEVD. The Department's participation in the
demonstration project was accomplished through the Bureau of Public
Transportation and their contractual agreement(s) with The Rideshare
Company. The research project was made possible through the loan of two
EVs to the Department from the CCEVD.
In addition to annual participation in the ATdS, evaluations of
the two EVs included the following: observations and data gathered by
driver participants in commuting and work trips; troubleshooting and
repair after various breakdowns; data analyses; and, independent tests
conducted by the Consumers Union. Eight (8) Department research
personnel were approved to participate in the work-trip element of the
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