Community Corner
Electric Autos Hum at Oktoberfest
Whether you are converting a classic or buying new, electric car enthusiasts show, teach and tell.
Saline's weekend of fun was about more than the arts, food, music and fun.
On Saturday, the Electric Automobile Association showcased electric vehicles on South Ann Arbor Street.
Dr. Adam Blankespoor, an engineer in automotive research at the University of Michigan, spent two years and $14,000 converting his 1996 Honda Civic from gasoline to electric.
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“I work on a computer all day, so this was a chance to get my hands dirty,” he said.
“I read a lot of books, and studied different sites on the Internet,” Blankespoor said. “I thought, ‘Hey, I think I can do this.'”
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With a lot of studying and guidance from members of the Electric Automobile Association, the conversion was a success. Blankespoor’s Civic gets 35-50 miles off of one 5-10 hour charge, with maximum speeds of 80 mph. With the price of electricity, the cost is the equivalent to 50 cents per gallon, he said.
“It might take a long time to pay off the $14,000 unless you count the education I got,” Blankespoor said.
Blankespoor said is happy to answer questions for those considering converting their own vehicles. He can be reached at ablank@gmail.com.
Other vehicles on display included a brand new Chevy Volt, a converted Ford Ranger, among others.
