GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS OF THE OHIO DOT ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Two conventional gasoline powered four passenger coupes were converted to electric drive for use in the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) motor pool. Compliance to applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety and anticipated Department of Energy Standards were desing goals. The implications for fire and shock hazards as well as dynamics compliance were considerations in the scope of effort. Techniques used and results of preliminary tests are reported. It was concluded that conversion of conventional vehicles to electric drive can be undertaken to achieve safety parity.