Voltage question

[Restorer32]

At what voltage did a Detroit Electric operate? Did most electric vehicles operate on the same voltage? Wondering if a Rausch and Lang charger would work for a Detroit Electric. Thanks, we're new to electrics and looking for some basic info.

[Guest EMF-Owner]

I believe the answer to your first question will depend on the year of the Detroit. I looked at some stats for the 1912 model year and the Detroit ran on 38 two volt cells making a grand total of 76 volts. The Rauch & Lang for the same year came in either a 24 cell (48 volt) or 40 cell (80 volt) motors. I would not advise the use of a Rauch & Lang charge for the Detroit or even a Rauch & Lang. A Modern Charger can charge the batteries and be smart enough to cut down to a trickle charge once the battery pack has reached a certain level, the trickle the pack to equalize the charge. This will provide a longer life to the batteries and better performance overall.

I am going to try to attach a PDF with information about the 1912 model year electrics so you can see the differences in the voltages between the makes.

I would love to have an original Rauch & Lang Charger for my 1912 Rauch & Lang, but I would have as a display item to go with the car. I doubt I would use it to charge. One would definitely make a great conversation piece.

This is just my opinion of course.

Happy Motoring.

John

[Restorer32]

Thanks for the info. Where did you find a 48 volt charger or do you charge each battery independently?

[Guest EMF-Owner]

My 1912 Rauch & Lang is an 80 volt Hertner motor in it. It is not running at this time. I plan to run 14 six volt deep cycle batteries in it when the time comes for a total of 84 volts. You can find chargers to charge the entire pack. I have not looked for a charger for a system less than 80 volts, but I am sure they can be found or made. If you have not already done so, you should sign up with the Antique Electric car registry if for no other reason, to get the great newletter. Also, there is a Yahoo Group for Antique Electric cars which has many knowlegable people who participate. Let me know if you need further info about either of these.

Here is a link to a site for the Russco charger I plan to use.

Battery Charger Link - <a href="http://www.electroauto.com/catalog/charger.shtml" target="_blank">http://www.electroauto.com/catalog/charger.shtml</a>

Here is a link to a site about batteries. I plan to use the US-125.

Battery link - <a href="http://www.electroauto.com/catalog/battery.shtml" target="_blank">http://www.electroauto.com/catalog/battery.shtml</a>

And finally, here is a link to a page about my 1912 Rauch & Lang:

The Dalys 1912 Rauch & Lang Brougham

Hope this helps.

John

[DaveBerg]

My 1914 Detroit Electric (has a 1922 motor) runs on 84 volts. My 1912 Argo uses 80 volts. Hope this helps. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

[Restorer32]

The more info the better. Suppose you had a choice between a Detroit and a Milburn. Is one a "better" car than the other? Does one have a particular weakness that makes it less desireable? I need direction here!

[pughs]

I can only talk about Milburn. I really don't know too much about other makes. The Milburn has two sets of batteries, One in the front and one in back. The are wired in series to produce 42 volts in each set. The voltages are combined in the controller to produce up to 84 volts in high speed. The lights and accessories run at 42 volts. The early Milburns (through 1917, I think) have a shorter range and lower high speed than the later models. The later models have a range of 90-100 miles and 25 or so miles per hour. I personally think the Milburns are more attractive with their swooping fender line. They are also smaller and lighter than most other electrics. I think that whether they are "better" is probably a matter of personal preference.I hope this helps.