Rickard Electric Beck Speedster, Owner'S Manual

Page: 27 / 30

Rickard Electric Special Edition – Owner’s Manual
Page 27 of 30
One of problems with electric cars at this stage is finding service facilities to perform
maintenance in the event of a true systems failure. Relays and fuses are potential failure items,
although we’ve used the finest available components.
Fortunately, system failures are very rare. And the familiarity of even common maintenance
garages is increasing, with the number of EV conversion specialty shops increasing all the time.
The usual problem with most conversions is lack of information as to how a particular car is
wired. We’ve included some detailed wiring diagrams in this manual to assist anyone attempting
to troubleshoot the car, and the pictorial nature of these diagrams serves as an aid to identifying
components.
We’ve also made a conscious effort to use very commonly available parts from noted producers
to ensure spares availability. This is a very different approach to that of most OEM automotive
manufacturers who’s business model is based on a continuing stream of revenue from owners
who MUST purchase proprietary parts and components from the manufacturer.
The result is a car that by any comparison to an internal combustion car can be thought of as
maintenance free. And in the event of malfunction, the use of generic parts should make any
necessary repairs both inexpensive and easy for anyone to accomplish.
Almost all owners are seriously concerned about battery life. This is a central issue with electric
cars and we’ve designed this car for maximum extension of the life of these cells. We would
expect 80% range after six to eight YEARS with these cells. But the battery world is changing so
rapidly, we suspect you will want to upgrade your batteries long before they ever wear out.
Again, by using generic, basically “commodity” cells, you are not locked into a proprietary
battery module technology. As newer chemistries with higher energy densities arrive (and at
likely even lower prices), you will be able to easily upgrade your car to achieve ever greater
range and performance.
WHERE’S THE BMS?
If you encounter anyone offering you an electric car with a “Battery Management System” and
dire warnings of what will befall you if you don’t have one, run don’t walk, in the other
direction.
EVTV has done more battery testing both in the lab and in vehicles than any other entity in the
country – including General Motors. We have found the “BMS” offerings available to
needlessly and hopelessly complicate the car, and are absolutely the number one cause of electric
car failures and undoubtedly the number one cause of LiFePo4 cell death as well.
Worse, they are indisputably a fire hazard with dozens of cars burned to the ground by their well
intentioned use. Do NOT charge a car unattended with any type of BMS connected to it.
With the Rickard Electric, you can simply plug it in and walk away. The charger very ably
terminates the charge sequence automatically and safely.