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The Henney Kilowatt was a 1959 to 1961 Renault Dauphine converted to electric power. It was powered by an electric motor rated at 7.1 hp, and used a 36-volt traction battery system based on deep cycle flooded lead-acid "golf-cart" style batteries. It boasted an advertised top speed of 35 mph (drivers have reported reaching 40 mph) and a range of 40 miles per charge. Operators have reported an operating range up to 50 miles per charge. Later models of the Kilowatt were upgraded to 72 volt systems and this increased the top speed to in excess of 50 mph. It was priced at US$3,600 in 1961. Approximately 120 were built, and the great majority were sold to their target market of electrical utilities (for electric meter readers). The vehicle was built by the Eureka-Williams company (of Eureka vacuum cleaner fame) at their facility in Conastoga, NY. The actual manufacturing was done by their subsidiary company, Henney Coachworks. Henney Coachworks, up until that time had a well deserved repuation as a fabricator of custom purpose cars such as limos, fire trucks, abulances, and hearses. |