Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is reprogramming and what does it do?

A: Reprogramming changes the OEM installed parameters, there by altering the operational characteristics of the vehicle, Simply put, we can remove the 25mph limitation.

Q: Can a service technician tell if the controller has been reprogrammed?

A: Most field service technicians cannot, however if a vehicle must be taken in for service, then yes. In a NEV motor controller there are 128 function registers that store data like control parameters, mileage, and maximum motor RPM recorded. Only 34 of these registers can be read or altered from the programming handset unless it has been modified. Some of these other functions can only be accessed by a PC, and requires a special decoding module that is only available to Ford, GEM, and alike. We hooked up with a GE project engineer and reprogrammed our handsets to access some of these special functions, so that we could reset them.

Q: Can’t I just change wheels and tires to go faster? What size tire would be required to go 35 MPH?

A: Yes; If a vehicle can do at 25mph on a 21'' diameter tire (approximate size of the OEM tire) at (x)rpm, if no other conditions were changed, the speed of the vehicle if a 22.5'' diameter tire was used (approximate size of a 195x50x15 or 205x40x16)  would be... it's as simple as this: 25mph at 21'' is set. RPM stays constant. If you take 22.5'' instead of 21'' the new speed is: (22.5''/21'')*25mph=26,78mph. For the second problem you simply do this: (35mph/25mph)*21''= 29.4'' (the math was done by my friend Buster)

 It looks like a 29.4" tire would be needed to do 35 MPH. In addition, don’t forget about the rotating mass, it plays hell on acceleration and braking forces, also what about the cost? So change the wheels and tires for looks not speed.

Q: Are Th!nk and Gem controllers the same?

A: NO, they are both made by GE but they are wired, as well as many function settings are different. They are NOT interchangeable. There are also differences between REV1 and REV2 controllers in either GEM or Th!nk.

Q: What is the fastest you can make my car go?

A: The top speed is relative to the capabilities of the motor and controller. We do not recommend setting them to go any faster than 35mph. Remember are there other things to consider, safety, longevity of parts, range and speed laws. We are also finding that the new REV 2 controllers can NOT be set above 35mph.

Q: Can reprogramming add more torque?

A: NO, it cannot ADD torque, only decrease it. Torque is a function of tire size, gear ratio, and motor horsepower. The factory settings provide the maximum available.

Q: I had my controller reprogrammed and now I need service on a different issue, should I have the controller reprogrammed back?

A: If the service is not drive line related then there should be no problem, however we recommend that you have the controller set back to simply avoid questions.