Electric vehicle field test experience

Thirty-five experimental GMC electric vans accumulated over 300 000 miles in a field test application as telephone service and repair vehicles. Information was obtained on recharging lead-acid traction batteries which led to microprocessor control of the recharge. Energy consumption, ac kilowatt hours per mile, was greatly reduced and recharge efficiency increased by accurate control of the recharge. Battery energy density (range) and wear-out remain concerns which promote the need for a new energy source for commercial electric vehicles.