Most drivers can’t imagine not having to change the oil in their cars or worry about spark plugs or catalytic converters, or most of all, filling up their tanks with gas.
According to Nick Barrack, of Central Security and Electric, the answer to those worries is converting those gas-guzzling, toxin-emitting cars, from gas to electricity.
Barrack already is working on his second vehicle conversion, a 1996 Ford Ranger pickup. When the vehicle is ready he plans to sell it.
The first conversion was a 1964 Triumph. Barrack said there was no particular reason he chose the Triumph, it was just one he had, and it met the requirements.
“The ideal situation is if you have a car that’s beginning to wear out, that’s the perfect time to convert it,” Barrack said.
His plan is to convert a vehicle that will do speeds up to 60 mph and travel 60 miles before needing recharged.
“I’d like to be able to convert vehicles for people who work at the Fort (Leonard Wood) and people who have to travel about 50 to 60 miles a day to work,” he said.
Barrack explained it takes about two weeks for his team of mechanics and electricians to convert a vehicle from gas to electricity and can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000, depending on the vehicle.
The conversion would pay for itself within three years in fuel savings, Barrack said.
According to Barrack, it cost three- to four-cents a mile to drive an electric vehicle as opposed to 18 to 20 cents a mile for fuel.
Drivers would be encouraged to charge their vehicles overnight when there is no strain on the electrical system, Barrack said.
Another benefit to converting to electricity is the lack of emissions going out into the environment — more fresh, clean air.
Barrack said at this time a typical car would take 12, 12-volt batteries and that should go 40 to 60 miles.
Along with Central Security and Electric, Barrack also owns four other businesses in Rolla: CSE Construction; USA Tours, a charter bus company; USA Express, an airport shuttle service, and Central Dispatch, a company that monitors alarm systems.
“Running a shuttle business and a charter bus company, I’m very aware of how badly we need alternative fuel sources,” said Barrack.
The intent is to create another business with the car conversions.
“I’d like to do this for more people. I think most homes will have at least one electric car in the household within the next five years,” said Barrack.
It’s more than just changes in climate and surging oil prices that have brought about this enthusiasm with electric cars. It’s also the battery technology.
According to Barrack, as battery technology changes, it gets better. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which helped to make cell-phones as common as house keys during the last decade, are now expected to power the increasing electrification of cars.
“I’ve been looking at this for a long time. You see a lot of different theories on the Internet, but I know that what I’m working on now, mathematically, will work,” said Barrack.
Barrack graduated from Missouri S&T (then UMR) in 1975 with an electrical engineering degree.
Those interested in finding out more about having a car converted by CSE Enterprises can call 573 341-2562.
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Most drivers can’t imagine not having to change the oil in their cars or worry about spark plugs or catalytic converters, or most of all, filling up their tanks with gas.
According to Nick Barrack, of Central Security and Electric, the answer to those worries is converting those gas-guzzling, toxin-emitting cars, from gas to electricity.
Barrack already is working on his second vehicle conversion, a 1996 Ford Ranger pickup. When the vehicle is ready he plans to sell it.
The first conversion was a 1964 Triumph. Barrack said there was no particular reason he chose the Triumph, it was just one he had, and it met the requirements.
“The ideal situation is if you have a car that’s beginning to wear out, that’s the perfect time to convert it,” Barrack said.
His plan is to convert a vehicle that will do speeds up to 60 mph and travel 60 miles before needing recharged.
“I’d like to be able to convert vehicles for people who work at the Fort (Leonard Wood) and people who have to travel about 50 to 60 miles a day to work,” he said.
Barrack explained it takes about two weeks for his team of mechanics and electricians to convert a vehicle from gas to electricity and can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000, depending on the vehicle.
The conversion would pay for itself within three years in fuel savings, Barrack said.
According to Barrack, it cost three- to four-cents a mile to drive an electric vehicle as opposed to 18 to 20 cents a mile for fuel.
Drivers would be encouraged to charge their vehicles overnight when there is no strain on the electrical system, Barrack said.
Another benefit to converting to electricity is the lack of emissions going out into the environment — more fresh, clean air.
Barrack said at this time a typical car would take 12, 12-volt batteries and that should go 40 to 60 miles.
Along with Central Security and Electric, Barrack also owns four other businesses in Rolla: CSE Construction; USA Tours, a charter bus company; USA Express, an airport shuttle service, and Central Dispatch, a company that monitors alarm systems.
“Running a shuttle business and a charter bus company, I’m very aware of how badly we need alternative fuel sources,” said Barrack.
The intent is to create another business with the car conversions.
“I’d like to do this for more people. I think most homes will have at least one electric car in the household within the next five years,” said Barrack.
It’s more than just changes in climate and surging oil prices that have brought about this enthusiasm with electric cars. It’s also the battery technology.
According to Barrack, as battery technology changes, it gets better. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which helped to make cell-phones as common as house keys during the last decade, are now expected to power the increasing electrification of cars.
“I’ve been looking at this for a long time. You see a lot of different theories on the Internet, but I know that what I’m working on now, mathematically, will work,” said Barrack.
Barrack graduated from Missouri S&T (then UMR) in 1975 with an electrical engineering degree.
Those interested in finding out more about having a car converted by CSE Enterprises can call 573 341-2562.
