This 1994 White Chevrolet S-10 pick-up was originally converted to an electric vehicle by a company formerly known as US Electricar. The vehicle, originally priced at $39,007, was sold to Arizona Public Service (APS) and soon became part of their fleet of electric vehicles. Due to problems with the experimental Hughes AC propulsion system (which was part of the very first GM EV-1s built), the vehicle was routinely being repaired. Soon, the unreliable vehicle was left to sit and collect dust. In July of 1998, APS accepted my offer of $1500 to take the vehicle away. Part of the agreement was that I would remove and leave behind the AC drive system. For this reason, I am in the process of installing an entirely new drive system based on reliable, cost-effective DC technology. In many respects, I am finding that my task is even more difficult than if I were converting it from its gas-powered configuration to electric! Many of the truck's original systems were compromised or modified for US Electricar's design. I now find myself reversing some of those changes and re-installing many of the components that were not needed previously. With an always-hectic school and work schedule, it has been difficult to find time to work on my truck. I do, however, anticipate completing the project by the end of 2002.

It is important to note that this conversion is being funded by my own wallet! I have not taken a single penny from the State of Arizona and it's now defunct program known as the Alternative Fuel Program. Though not complete, I have spent over $9,000 on components, accessories, and resources for this vehicle. Being the college student that I am, you can imagine what kind of investment this is! I am building this vehicle because I believe in EVs, their capabilites, and what they can do for our environment and society. We need to do something to fight our dependence on limited oil resources and worsening pollution issues... so I'm making an effort and doing what I can! When gas reaches $4/gallon in the United States, I'll be happy I have my EV!

At present, the truck has only 5,612 miles on it. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.