[TEV]

Hi everybody,
I am converting a 2003 Ford Ranger using Solectria AC55 motor and UMOC440TF controller.
Batteries are 100 pcs Calb 100Ah LiFePo4.

 

[TEV]

I started backward and did the battery pack first, to be able to charge and balance the batteries.
The batteries will be located in the truck bed.
And now some pictures, because a picture it’s worth a thousand words.

 

[TEV]

Clutchless adapter

 

[TEV]

The Ranger ODO it's showing 247000 Miles and the automatic transmission it's bad.

I got a manual transmission from Craigslist.

Today i finished another phase of my project : The engine and transmission are out

I left the AC system in place, my intentions are to run it from a separate 3HP 3 Phase industrial motor.

 

[TEV]

Next big step will be to find a way to mount the AC55.

 

[few2many]

Looks like a good start to the project! I am still in the lurking stages, have been for a couple years. I have an idea to do a similar pickup. What kind of range are you looking to get?

 

[dladd]

It looks like your hold down straps are covering the battery vent holes. Not sure if that's a good idea.

 

[TEV]

Looks like a good start to the project! I am still in the lurking stages, have been for a couple years. I have an idea to do a similar pickup. What kind of range are you looking to get?

I hope to get 100 miles of city driving, but my daily need it's 20 miles. It has regeneration too.

 

[TEV]

It looks like your hold down straps are covering the battery vent holes. Not sure if that's a good idea.

Your observation it's pertinent, but you have to consider that they are not making a sealed contact and gas or liquid will have enough room to get out ( hopefully it won't be necessary )

 

[TEV]

Looks like a good start to the project! I am still in the lurking stages, have been for a couple years.

I always wanted an electric car ( I use to be an electrician back in Europe and a hobby electronics, ham radio too )

I discovered this website about 5 or 6 years ago and i realise that I can fulfill my dream.

I started buying parts about 2 years ago, but only on the beginning of this year i started actually to work on this project. I don't have to much time to work on it and welding those battery racks took me a lot of time.

 

[Caps18]

Wow, that is a lot of batteries.

Looks good so far.

 

[TEV]

A little progress :

 

[TEV]

The bad news : the original drive shaft ( for the automatic transmission ) is to short for the manual transmission.
The good news : i find a used one out of a 2006 Ranger.
The bad news : an extra $110 unscheduled investment.

 

[TEV]

The battery pack it's installed :

 

[TEV]

More "goodies" :

 

[TEV]

I am far from finishing the project ,but i couldn't help not to try a test drive. To do so I temporarily installed the controller and run some wires.

The 1st start was in 2nd gear and the 2nd start was in 4th gear( which is suppose to be like a direct drive )

Test drive:

 

[few2many]

Awesome progress!

 

[TEV]

More awesome then progress.

 

[Caps18]

Very cool. I wish I was at that stage.

What is the deal with the J1772 plug? Where did you get that one and how are you going to wire it in? Will you be able to use public charging stations?

 

[TEV]

Very cool. I wish I was at that stage.

What is the deal with the J1772 plug? Where did you get that one and how are you going to wire it in? Will you be able to use public charging stations?

From eBay : $110 for the inlet ( 1' cord @ 75A ) and $125+$10 for the plug (15' cord @ 40A ) I considered that it was a good deal .

I don't know of any public charging stations in Cleveland, Ohio, maybe in the future.

I just like the look of it.