11 Mile loop today

Range testing.  

Today we took the Twike on a Sunday drive.  I hadn't realized I tripped the breaker on the garage socket where I've been charging up.  (due to a bum plug on the twike I need to replace)  We started the journey with about 375V and ended with 354.  We went all the way to the ocean and stopped at Whole Foods on Montana before climbing back up the mountain.

The thing I have to get used to about the Twike is that when you're accelerating the Voltage drops by about 20 to 30V and I get scared wondering how much it'll pop back up when I take my finger off the accelerator & if I'll take it into the red (battery light) during the push.  Once I'm at a constant speed and not conquering any hills the Twike ticks away in cruise control barely using any Volts.

I'm not very confident in the regenerative breaking.  It can take the Volts up to 400 (at which I let off), but then drops to back where you started maybe gaining 1V.  I need to do some more downhill tests to really understand.

Trip to the DMV

Well the trip to the DMV was not smooth, but in the end I have my temp tags and an appointment with the California Highway Patrol for a Vin Verification next month.  It took about an hour for the manager of the Santa Monica DMV to come up with a plan.  They had to contact the State.  If you can find your Engine Block # in advance that would be helpful.  It was also an expensive visit!  Taxes here are crazy and my little 12 year old Twike cost me $1600 in taxes and fees...

On the up side.  This was my first long distance trip.  I purchased AAA coverage because they have DMV service, but after wasting an hour there they sent me down to the regular DMV.  I was smart and scheduled a back up appointment there!!! saving HOURS.  I literally COASTED and peddled the Twike all the way there using only 1 V of energy for 5 miles.  My range estimator LIT up when I turner it on to journey home.  I think it got as high as 50+ miles.  I started with around 378V and ended the trip home with 350 (all uphill).   So 10 miles and I think I could make that trip two more times!  Pretty amazing!  I had no trouble in traffic and actually people let you in because they want to stare longer!