Running Leaf drive system outside car

Shamooooot · 2022-09-05T00:24:22-0400

Hello guys

I am working on running a 2015 Leaf system outside the car, basically running the drive system and necessary electronics on a bench.

I was asking some technicians around about the project and they are all claiming that I need a complete car or a front cut at least as all the parts of the Leaf (electronics) are serialized and only would work together, well I know the battery controller ID needs to be programmed to the VCM. But these options would cost me quite more than sourcing the parts from different sellers and I would end up with parts that won't be needed.

I know there's no definitive answer (I hope there is) but I need help figuring out:

what parts are probably needed in order for the system to run with no troubles
what parts must be of the same car

Tremelune · 2022-09-05T12:21:46-0400

There is no exhaustive list that I'm aware of. Here is my research:

Current state of Leafs as donors?

I'm researching using a Leaf as a donor for a classic conversion, and it seems like the state of things is moving so fast that even 2-year-old threads are outdated. What is the current state? Like, instead of swapping in the whole car (which is apparently very difficult to do even after it is...

www.diyelectriccar.com

My advice is to buy an entire Leaf and start removing as many components as you can until it doesn't work. You can also just buy a Thunderstruck or Resolve VCU, which need nothing but a motor, battery, and inverter.

nsxguy7 · 2022-09-05T23:47:55-0400

IIRC the Thunderstruck VCU needs the motor and Inverter from the Leaf, while the Resolve unit needs the motor, inverter, PDM, and battery from the Leaf.

remy_martian · 2022-09-05T23:52:44-0400

The Thunderstruck may not even need the Leaf inverter. iirc, they support a few inverters.

Shamooooot · 2022-09-06T01:13:57-0400

Thanks guys, this was helpful..
I am afraid the Thunderstruck is not gonna cut it as the OBD 2 functionalities are needed in order to simulate all the functionalities of the Nissan Leaf.
I have gone through the list here Leaf wiring and control
but unfortunately it doesn't answer my question (if parts were sorted from different cars can we program everything to work together) and if we have a chance, what tools are required? and are we going end up needing Nissan/official dealers involvements?

piotrsko · 2022-09-06T02:16:48-0400

Changing options and subassemblies is dealer level, so there should be processes available to do what you need

remy_martian · 2022-09-06T03:02:12-0400

What do you mean "simulate all the functionalities of the Nissan Leaf"?

You also used the term "Leaf system" - what exactly are you trying to do?

Shamooooot · 2022-09-06T03:12:59-0400

remy_martian said:
What do you mean "simulate all the functionalities of the Nissan Leaf"?

You also used the term "Leaf system" - what exactly are you trying to do?

Exactly like this guy is doing, as a training model I need to take real readings out of the system like I do with a real and complete running car.

Zieg · 2022-09-06T07:26:16-0400

I do know the motor data has to be programmed into the inverter (the exact resolver offset of that specific motor). The info is engraved on the bottom of the motor though and there are tutorials on how to DIY. If they both came out of the same car you're good to go.

Shamooooot · 2022-09-06T07:55:17-0400

Zieg said:
I do know the motor data has to be programmed into the inverter (the exact resolver offset of that specific motor). The info is engraved on the bottom of the motor though and there are tutorials on how to DIY. If they both came out of the same car you're good to go.

Thank you for this, which I didn't know before!, I believe it is fairly easy to find the whole powertrain unit sourced of a the same car, I am more concerned about the other computers..

remy_martian · 2022-09-06T16:58:52-0400

If you want to build a training unit, you need everything off the same car, "like this guy is doing".

If you're looking to convert an ICE car to an EV, where you are buying the motor and inverter, the "other computers" are irrelevant.

You have yet to say what you are trying to do, ultimately. That, like I keep trying to advise somebody else here, matters in what you get and do.

You're not baking a cake - following a Youtube video is worthless if it's inapplicable to what you are ultimately doing.

matthew.stead · 2022-09-06T20:56:13-0400

A bit of practical advice.

I tried to do this all from one car. It worked until it did not!!!

When it no longer worked it was almost impossible (for me) to work out what went wrong.

If I were to do it again I would start with a working car because troubleshooting is a challenge.

Shamooooot · 2022-09-06T23:46:55-0400

remy_martian said:
If you want to build a training unit, you need everything off the same car, "like this guy is doing".

If you're looking to convert an ICE car to an EV, where you are buying the motor and inverter, the "other computers" are irrelevant.

You have yet to say what you are trying to do, ultimately. That, like I keep trying to advise somebody else here, matters in what you get and do.

You're not baking a cake - following a Youtube video is worthless if it's inapplicable to what you are ultimately doing.

As I mentioned before it will be used as a technical training model to train students on the Leaf system how it works and how to troubleshoot and how to service etc...

Shamooooot · 2022-09-07T00:31:26-0400

matthew.stead said:
A bit of practical advice.

I tried to do this all from one car. It worked until it did not!!!

When it no longer worked it was almost impossible (for me) to work out what went wrong.

If I were to do it again I would start with a working car because troubleshooting is a challenge.

Very impressive work Matthew, I hope your conversion is still going strong!

I honestly got a bit sad and worried that you had to give up on the original Leaf system and go with the resolver option which would sit you back €899.. I know these things sometimes would drive you crazy..

remy_martian · 2022-09-07T03:46:11-0400

First sentence of @Tremelune's post is what you want to do, then.

If you're going to teach servicing, you will need Nissan service tools and software...not OBD-II, which is likely to be worthless.

Shamooooot · 2022-09-07T14:22:30-0400

remy_martian said:
First sentence of @Tremelune's post is what you want to do, then.

If you're going to teach servicing, you will need Nissan service tools and software...not OBD-II, which is likely to be worthless.

Sounds expansive ngl 😅, can you recommend something??

remy_martian · 2022-09-07T14:25:43-0400

A grant from your education authorities...

piotrsko · 2022-09-09T02:43:02-0400

Another point is that you'll be restricted to only Nissan since everyone has their own protocols and semi hidden communication. Nice if youre in a town like Plockton where the only dealer for 50 clicks is that. Useless in Detroit

Tremelune · 2022-09-09T11:55:42-0400

The cheapest way to buy Leaf components is to buy a running, driving Leaf...They are (were?) $5k. Buying stuff piecemeal will add up to more, rapidly.

Shamooooot · 2022-09-09T12:12:41-0400

Tremelune said:
The cheapest way to buy Leaf components is to buy a running, driving Leaf...They are (were?) $5k. Buying stuff piecemeal will add up to more, rapidly.

I guess I would be looking for a working front cut then.. Thank you

Running Leaf drive system outside car

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