[Jakesoffroad]

Hi guys I’m a newbie here and have started down the path of building a leaf powered buggy. I’m still trying to source the right salvage Nissan for the project but I’ve become indecisive as how best to pick the components.
In our competitions we only run 40 minutes a day. So I’m trying to select a lightweight battery setup to power the leaf motor.
current build plan is using a leaf motor bolted to a planetary gear set 2.72 ratio to a 3.57 ratio transfer case. Axles are Toyota 8” diffs with humvee portals with a 1.92 ratio. Oh yeah that’s to turn a 42” tall tire.
I think the thunderstruck components are going to be the best way to accomplish this swap. But again I’m a complete newb and open to any suggestions!

 

[Electric Land Cruiser]

Super frickin cool! I say buy a salvage LEAF and a Resolve-EV controller. It is similar to Thunderstruck but better IMO. It locks you down to LEAF hardware but you can use all of it. Chademo and L2 chargers DC-DC etc. You can even use the newer 150hp and 200hp inverters with it now. I would recommend a 30kwh battery minimum. 40 minutes at slow speeds is totally doable but if you are in a racing or competition environment I think even a 30kwh might be too small.

I'm doing basically the same thing on my Land Cruiser with a BlackBox transfer case doubler on top of my factory t-case. My truck is not going to be as hardcore as yours is though!

 

[Jakesoffroad]

I look forward to seeing your build! It sounds awesome!
im leaning towards selling the leaf batteries and going with the Chrysler Pacifica batteries. It will be half the weight of the leaf stuff at 240lbs. Plus only 36” wide put together.

 

[brian_]

im leaning towards selling the leaf batteries and going with the Chrysler Pacifica batteries.

Those modules are no longer sold, unless you are actually salvaging them from a Pacifica Hybrid, or can find someone who bought them while they were available new on the aftermarket and is now reselling them.

 

[Jakesoffroad]

Yeah I was looking at buying a salvage Pacifica. Would you recover end something different?

 

[brian_]

Yeah I was looking at buying a salvage Pacifica. Would you recover end something different?

I don't see anything wrong with salvaging from a Pacifica Hybrid... if you can find one. I only mentioned the supply issue because most people planning to use these modules refer to getting them from a source such as EV West, which will no longer have them.

 

[remy_martian]

Now that LG knows what's been going on with their cells, I wonder if that will open back up again.

 

[Tristan]

I'm working on a similar project. Mine is using a WOD (Wide Open Design) TJ tube chassis:

TJC Chassis for TJ

Designed to be a true cross-over between a modified Jeep trail rig, and a full tube buggy that provides the comforts of a full body trail rig with the performance of a buggy. Designed for performance, function, safety, and reliability. Note: Does not include the tub Typical Lead Time: 4 - 6...

www.wideopendesign.com

I got a Leaf motor and inverter out of a local salvage yard.

I made a custom adapter and coupler so the motor is connect to an AX15 transmission and a NP231 case. (TJ stuff for now)

I'm using the Thunderstruck motor controller: VCU for UQM Motor

I have not sourced batteries yet but will most likely go the Leaf route.

Lemme know if you have questions! I'm not expert but might be a little further down the road than you are.

-Tristan