Rickard Electric Beck Speedster, Owner'S Manual

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Rickard Electric Special Edition – Owner’s Manual
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65C. IF you get a gage indication on the combi gage past midrange, check the
CTemp on the Curtis 840 display. If it is above 80C, you have had some failure
of the cooling system and need to have it repaired.
Unlike an ICE car, the system does not boil over and strand you. You will not
burn up the controller or motor by continuing to drive it. If it does go into limp
mode, simply park the car for a few minutes and let it cool down. Cycle the
ignition switch off and back on and you can continue to drive. The car is
perfectly operational.
The cooling system is driven by 12vdc from the switched voltage distribution
panel in the engine bay. Check the fuses there before attempting to have the
car repaired.
TIRE PRESSURE
Maintaining tire pressure is a key technique to efficiency in ALL cars but
critically so in an electric vehicle. Your Electric Edition features a tire pressure
of 38 lbs. This greatly reduces rolling resistance and extends range. It is
recommended that you not exceed this pressure, but it is important to keep it
at this level and check it regularly to maintain maximum efficiency and range
for the car.
If you prefer a softer ride, you may reduce the tire pressure to comfort, but this
will also decrease the range of the vehicle. We have tested these tires at 50 psi
and found increased range in this manner, but a noticeably stiffer ride.
MAINTENANCE
For most experienced owners of electric drive vehicles, one of the most treasured aspects of
these cars is the lack of routine maintenance. You simply do not have tune-ups, oil changes,
filters, and belts to deal with. Because of the regenerative braking, you’re unlikely to ever need
to change brake pads on the four wheel disk brakes.
Tires do of course wear and the higher weights and pressures in an electric car can cause them to
wear at a modestly faster rate.
You do have a cooling system and it should be kept charged with a 50% glycol solution.
The batteries actually require NO maintenance at all. But terminal connections can over time
loosen from vibration and temperature. It is advisable to check these connections monthly to
ensure they are clean and tight, with no visible corrosion or buildup. A poor connection can
develop heat and pose a hazard.