Chevrolet S10 EV
Encyclopedia
The Chevrolet S-10 Electric was introduced in 1997 by General Motors
, updated in 1998, and then discontinued. It was an OEM
BEV
variant of Chevrolet
's S-10
pickup truck
which ran solely upon electricity
, and was marketed primarily to utility fleet customers.
started with a regular cab, short-box (6' bed) S-10 pickup, with a base level trim package, added a half tonneau
cover.
In place of a typical inline four cylinder or V-6
engine
, the Electric S-10 EV was equipped with an 85 kW (114 horsepower
) three-phase
, liquid cooled AC
induction motor
, based on GM's EV1 electric coupe. The EV1 had a 100 kW motor, GM reduced the S-10EV's motor because of the additional weight and drag of the truck so as not to overstress the batteries.
Other than the reduced motor size, the majority of power electronics were carried over directly from the EV1, which mandated that the Electric S-10 use a front-wheel-drive configuration, unlike the rear-wheel-drive setup found in stock S-10's and in the competing Ford Ranger EV
.
, the 1400 lb (635 kg) pack consisted of 27 batteries, with one being designated as an "auxiliary" cell. These reportedly offered 16.2 kilowatt-hours for propulsion, and offered a varying driving range. In 1998, Ovonic NiMH
batteries were also available. These batteries were lighter at 1043 lb (473 kg) and had 29 kilowatt-hours of storage for a longer range. NiMH also has longer life but cost more than the lead acid option. The battery pack was located between the frame rails, beneath the pickup bed. On all battery types, a passive battery monitoring and management system is used. This means that excess energy is wasted from cells with a higher charge, while the remainder of the cells reach the same state of charge.
r, produced by the General Motors subsidiary Delco Electronics
. The inductive charging
paddle is the model J1773 or the 'large' paddle. The small paddle can also be used with an adapter to properly seat it. The standard charger is a 220 V 30 A (6.6 kW), there is also a 110 V 15 A 'convenience' charger, and a high power fast charge version.
The vehicle's charging port is accessed by flipping the front license plate frame downwards.
The system is designed to be safe even when used in the rain.
See also:
For the 1997 PbA, a city range of 45.5 miles (73.2 km), a mixed (city/highway) range of 47 miles (76 km), and a highway range of 60 miles (97 km) if operating constantly at 45 mph (72 km/h) or less.
GM estimated 0-50 mph times of 13.5 seconds at 50% charge; "even less" when the truck had a full charge. Like the EV1, the top speed of the truck was governed
, albeit to 70 mph (113 km/h), 10 mph (16 km/h) less than its coupe sibling.
The performance is much better for the 1998 NiMH, at ~90 miles range and a 0-50 mph of 10.9 seconds at 50% charge.
(Source: Model Year 1999 EPA Fuel Economy Guide)
in 1998, the S-10 Electric kept the same front fascia as the '94-'97, with the exception of composite headlamps in 1998 verses the previous years sealed beam headlamps. The interior was also updated in 1998 along with internal combustion models, adding a passenger side airbag. Aside from this header panel, a unique lower bumper valance, and a stylized 'Electric' decal on the bottom of the doors, there is very little difference externally between the appearance of an Electric and a stock S-10. Any changes, however minimal, were reported to have had a positive influence on reducing the truck's aerodynamic resistance. These changes included a closed grille and a front air skirt, belly pans beneath the front suspension
, a seal between the cab and the pickup bed, and a half-length tonneau
cover over the rear of the pickup bed.
, a large "charge" gauge which reads from 'E' to 'F' like a gas gauge, a voltmeter
ranging from 220 to 440 volt
s, and a "power use" meter, which acts as an ammeter
of sorts showing discharge during acceleration and charge during regenerative braking. The LCD display for the shifter was shortened to display only park, neutral, reverse, and drive, due to the absent unnecessary transmission
.
s in 1998, a heat-pump for both air conditioning
and heating, power four-wheel ABS brakes
, regenerative braking, power steering, AM
/FM
radio
, and daytime running lamps, among other items. For colder climates, a fuel-fired heater was standard, it runs on diesel fuel from small 1.7 gallon (6.4 L) tank at temperatures below 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3 °C).
Because battery performance varies greatly with temperature, the heat-pump supplies cooling to the batteries during charging when necessary. Passive air recirculation is used during the driving cycle to equalize variations in battery temperature. The heat-pump can be activated during the driving cycle under extreme battery over temperature conditions >150F, typically as a result of extreme battery discharge.
d through restrictive programs, mostly due to the prior Department of Transportation
crash-worthiness evaluations done on stock S-10 pickups. As a result, a few Electric S-10's can still be found in use today. The fleet life of many of these are ending in 2007 and 2008 and they can be acquired in government and business auctions. Those 440-some that were not sold were collected, dismembered and crushed just like their EV1 siblings.
s.
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
, updated in 1998, and then discontinued. It was an OEM
Original Equipment Manufacturer
An original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, manufactures products or components that are purchased by a company and retailed under that purchasing company's brand name. OEM refers to the company that originally manufactured the product. When referring to automotive parts, OEM designates a...
BEV
Battery electric vehicle
A battery electric vehicle, or BEV, is a type of electric vehicle that uses chemical energy stored in rechargeable battery packs. BEVs use electric motors and motor controllers instead of, or in addition to, internal combustion engines for propulsion.A battery-only electric vehicle or...
variant of Chevrolet
Chevrolet
Chevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918...
's S-10
Chevrolet S-10
The first compact pickup from General Motors was the rebadged Isuzu KB sold since 1972 as the Chevrolet LUV. The 1973 Arab oil embargo forced GM to consider designing a domestically-produced compact pickup truck. As usual, parts from other GM chassis lines were incorporated. The first S-series...
pickup truck
Pickup truck
A pickup truck is a light motor vehicle with an open-top rear cargo area .-Definition:...
which ran solely upon electricity
Electricity
Electricity is a general term encompassing a variety of phenomena resulting from the presence and flow of electric charge. These include many easily recognizable phenomena, such as lightning, static electricity, and the flow of electrical current in an electrical wire...
, and was marketed primarily to utility fleet customers.
Design
General MotorsGeneral Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
started with a regular cab, short-box (6' bed) S-10 pickup, with a base level trim package, added a half tonneau
Tonneau
right|thumb|260px|1903 [[Ford Model A |Ford Model A]] rear-door TonneauTonneau cover , describes a hard or soft cover used to protect unoccupied passenger seats in a convertible, roadster, or for a pickup truck bed. Hard tonneau covers open by a hinging or folding mechanism while soft covers open...
cover.
In place of a typical inline four cylinder or V-6
V6 engine
A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
, the Electric S-10 EV was equipped with an 85 kW (114 horsepower
Horsepower
Horsepower is the name of several units of measurement of power. The most common definitions equal between 735.5 and 750 watts.Horsepower was originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses in continuous operation. The unit was widely adopted to measure the...
) three-phase
Three-phase
In electrical engineering, three-phase electric power systems have at least three conductors carrying voltage waveforms that are radians offset in time...
, liquid cooled AC
Alternating current
In alternating current the movement of electric charge periodically reverses direction. In direct current , the flow of electric charge is only in one direction....
induction motor
Induction motor
An induction or asynchronous motor is a type of AC motor where power is supplied to the rotor by means of electromagnetic induction. These motors are widely used in industrial drives, particularly polyphase induction motors, because they are robust and have no brushes...
, based on GM's EV1 electric coupe. The EV1 had a 100 kW motor, GM reduced the S-10EV's motor because of the additional weight and drag of the truck so as not to overstress the batteries.
Other than the reduced motor size, the majority of power electronics were carried over directly from the EV1, which mandated that the Electric S-10 use a front-wheel-drive configuration, unlike the rear-wheel-drive setup found in stock S-10's and in the competing Ford Ranger EV
Ford Ranger EV
The Ford Ranger EV is a battery electric vehicle produced by Ford Motor Company. It was produced starting in the 1998 model year through 2002 and is no longer in production. It is built upon a light truck chassis used in the Ford Ranger. A few vehicles with lead-acid batteries were sold, but most...
.
Batteries
Similar to the Gen 1 EV1's setup, the 1997 Electric S10 stored and sourced its power from a lead acid battery pack. Manufactured by Delco ElectronicsDelco Electronics
Delco Electronics Corporation was the automotive electronics design and manufacturing subsidiary of General Motors based in Kokomo, Indiana.The name Delco came from the Dayton Engineering Laboratories Co., founded in Dayton, Ohio by Charles Kettering and Edward A...
, the 1400 lb (635 kg) pack consisted of 27 batteries, with one being designated as an "auxiliary" cell. These reportedly offered 16.2 kilowatt-hours for propulsion, and offered a varying driving range. In 1998, Ovonic NiMH
NIMH
NIMH or NiMH may refer to:*Nickel-metal hydride battery, a type of rechargeable battery*National Institute of Mental Health, a part of the United States National Institutes of Health...
batteries were also available. These batteries were lighter at 1043 lb (473 kg) and had 29 kilowatt-hours of storage for a longer range. NiMH also has longer life but cost more than the lead acid option. The battery pack was located between the frame rails, beneath the pickup bed. On all battery types, a passive battery monitoring and management system is used. This means that excess energy is wasted from cells with a higher charge, while the remainder of the cells reach the same state of charge.
Charging
The S-10 EV charges using the Magne ChargeMagne Charge
Magne Charge is a largely obsolete inductive charging system, also known as J1773, used to charge battery electric vehicles formerly made by General Motors, for vehicles such as the EV1, Chevy S10 EV, and other electric vehicles. It was produced by the General Motors subsidiary Delco Electronics....
r, produced by the General Motors subsidiary Delco Electronics
Delco Electronics
Delco Electronics Corporation was the automotive electronics design and manufacturing subsidiary of General Motors based in Kokomo, Indiana.The name Delco came from the Dayton Engineering Laboratories Co., founded in Dayton, Ohio by Charles Kettering and Edward A...
. The inductive charging
Inductive charging
Inductive charging uses an electromagnetic field to transfer energy between two objects. This is usually done with a charging station. Energy is sent through inductive coupling to an electrical device, which then can use that energy to charge batteries....
paddle is the model J1773 or the 'large' paddle. The small paddle can also be used with an adapter to properly seat it. The standard charger is a 220 V 30 A (6.6 kW), there is also a 110 V 15 A 'convenience' charger, and a high power fast charge version.
The vehicle's charging port is accessed by flipping the front license plate frame downwards.
The system is designed to be safe even when used in the rain.
See also:
- http://www.magnecharge.com
- charger demonstration movie underwater
Efficiency
Depending on the load and driving conditions the range can vary greatly.For the 1997 PbA, a city range of 45.5 miles (73.2 km), a mixed (city/highway) range of 47 miles (76 km), and a highway range of 60 miles (97 km) if operating constantly at 45 mph (72 km/h) or less.
GM estimated 0-50 mph times of 13.5 seconds at 50% charge; "even less" when the truck had a full charge. Like the EV1, the top speed of the truck was governed
Governor (device)
A governor, or speed limiter, is a device used to measure and regulate the speed of a machine, such as an engine. A classic example is the centrifugal governor, also known as the Watt or fly-ball governor, which uses a rotating assembly of weights mounted on arms to determine how fast the engine...
, albeit to 70 mph (113 km/h), 10 mph (16 km/h) less than its coupe sibling.
The performance is much better for the 1998 NiMH, at ~90 miles range and a 0-50 mph of 10.9 seconds at 50% charge.
- 1998 GM S10 EV lead: 45 kW·h/100 mi city, 41 kW·h/100 mi highway
- 1998 GM S10 EV NiMh: 94 kW·h/100 mi city, 86 kW·h/100 mi highway
(Source: Model Year 1999 EPA Fuel Economy Guide)
1998 updates
While the internal combustion S-10 moved to a redesigned front fasciaFascia (car)
Confusingly, fascia is used for several different things in the automotive world. Many of these meanings are related to the appearance of the car....
in 1998, the S-10 Electric kept the same front fascia as the '94-'97, with the exception of composite headlamps in 1998 verses the previous years sealed beam headlamps. The interior was also updated in 1998 along with internal combustion models, adding a passenger side airbag. Aside from this header panel, a unique lower bumper valance, and a stylized 'Electric' decal on the bottom of the doors, there is very little difference externally between the appearance of an Electric and a stock S-10. Any changes, however minimal, were reported to have had a positive influence on reducing the truck's aerodynamic resistance. These changes included a closed grille and a front air skirt, belly pans beneath the front suspension
Suspension (vehicle)
Suspension is the term given to the system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. Suspension systems serve a dual purpose — contributing to the car's roadholding/handling and braking for good active safety and driving pleasure, and keeping vehicle occupants...
, a seal between the cab and the pickup bed, and a half-length tonneau
Tonneau
right|thumb|260px|1903 [[Ford Model A |Ford Model A]] rear-door TonneauTonneau cover , describes a hard or soft cover used to protect unoccupied passenger seats in a convertible, roadster, or for a pickup truck bed. Hard tonneau covers open by a hinging or folding mechanism while soft covers open...
cover over the rear of the pickup bed.
Instruments
Internally, the instrument cluster was exclusive to the Electric S-10, and featured only four gauges - a speedometerSpeedometer
A speedometer is a gauge that measures and displays the instantaneous speed of a land vehicle. Now universally fitted to motor vehicles, they started to be available as options in the 1900s, and as standard equipment from about 1910 onwards. Speedometers for other vehicles have specific names...
, a large "charge" gauge which reads from 'E' to 'F' like a gas gauge, a voltmeter
Voltmeter
A voltmeter is an instrument used for measuring electrical potential difference between two points in an electric circuit. Analog voltmeters move a pointer across a scale in proportion to the voltage of the circuit; digital voltmeters give a numerical display of voltage by use of an analog to...
ranging from 220 to 440 volt
Volt
The volt is the SI derived unit for electric potential, electric potential difference, and electromotive force. The volt is named in honor of the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta , who invented the voltaic pile, possibly the first chemical battery.- Definition :A single volt is defined as the...
s, and a "power use" meter, which acts as an ammeter
Ammeter
An ammeter is a measuring instrument used to measure the electric current in a circuit. Electric currents are measured in amperes , hence the name. Instruments used to measure smaller currents, in the milliampere or microampere range, are designated as milliammeters or microammeters...
of sorts showing discharge during acceleration and charge during regenerative braking. The LCD display for the shifter was shortened to display only park, neutral, reverse, and drive, due to the absent unnecessary transmission
Transmission (mechanics)
A machine consists of a power source and a power transmission system, which provides controlled application of the power. Merriam-Webster defines transmission as: an assembly of parts including the speed-changing gears and the propeller shaft by which the power is transmitted from an engine to a...
.
Additional features
Despite the truck being based on a "base" trim package, the Electric S-10 still came standard with dual airbagAirbag
An Airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint consisting of a flexible envelope designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision, to prevent occupants from striking interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window...
s in 1998, a heat-pump for both air conditioning
Air conditioning
An air conditioner is a home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area. The cooling is done using a simple refrigeration cycle...
and heating, power four-wheel ABS brakes
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
, regenerative braking, power steering, AM
Amplitude modulation
Amplitude modulation is a technique used in electronic communication, most commonly for transmitting information via a radio carrier wave. AM works by varying the strength of the transmitted signal in relation to the information being sent...
/FM
Frequency modulation
In telecommunications and signal processing, frequency modulation conveys information over a carrier wave by varying its instantaneous frequency. This contrasts with amplitude modulation, in which the amplitude of the carrier is varied while its frequency remains constant...
radio
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
, and daytime running lamps, among other items. For colder climates, a fuel-fired heater was standard, it runs on diesel fuel from small 1.7 gallon (6.4 L) tank at temperatures below 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3 °C).
Because battery performance varies greatly with temperature, the heat-pump supplies cooling to the batteries during charging when necessary. Passive air recirculation is used during the driving cycle to equalize variations in battery temperature. The heat-pump can be activated during the driving cycle under extreme battery over temperature conditions >150F, typically as a result of extreme battery discharge.
Sales
Unlike the EV1, of the 492 S-10EVs assembled about 60 were sold to fleet customers, rather than just leaseLease
A lease is a contractual arrangement calling for the lessee to pay the lessor for use of an asset. A rental agreement is a lease in which the asset is tangible property...
d through restrictive programs, mostly due to the prior Department of Transportation
United States Department of Transportation
The United States Department of Transportation is a federal Cabinet department of the United States government concerned with transportation. It was established by an act of Congress on October 15, 1966, and began operation on April 1, 1967...
crash-worthiness evaluations done on stock S-10 pickups. As a result, a few Electric S-10's can still be found in use today. The fleet life of many of these are ending in 2007 and 2008 and they can be acquired in government and business auctions. Those 440-some that were not sold were collected, dismembered and crushed just like their EV1 siblings.
Recent uses
In 2004, GM converted a leftover S-10 Electric to rear-wheel drive, and harnessed its power through prototype in-wheel electric motorElectric motor
An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.Most electric motors operate through the interaction of magnetic fields and current-carrying conductors to generate force...
s.
External links
Idaho National Laboratory operated for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology:- 1997 Chevrolet S-10 with PbA Batteries
- 1998 Chevrolet S-10 with NiMH Batteries
- Chevrolet S-10 Accelerated Reliability Report
- mailing list for Chevrolet S10 electric truck enthusiasts