OwnerTim Crumpton
LocationAltrincham, England United Kingdom map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1998 Citroen Berlingo
Long range lithium conversion of factory built electric van
MotorLeroy Somer Separately Excited DC
DrivetrainSagem IGBT controller, Sepex-DC Leroy Somer motor, single-ratio front wheel drive transmission
ControllerSagem OEM, modified
Single-IGBT controller, 300A armature and 10A field drive. Water cooled. OEM controller modified for new chemistry and charger.
Batteries153 China HiPower 200Ah, 3.20 Volt, Lithium-Ion
China HiPower LiFePO4 200Ah cells arranged 51s3p to give 600Ah. Supplied with the assistance of TYC Track in Southport, England. Down from the previous 51s4p (204 total) as it was too heavy and bulky for car.
System Voltage162 Volts
ChargerHigh Power BC3
Supplied by battery manufacturer, incorporating sense lines to every cell for BMS function, but no low voltage protection. Balance board now removed. Separate Guantuo Battery Monitor System providing low voltage indication and SOC
Heater3.6kW ceramic made from two fan air heater Original was Webasto petrol heater, now removed.
DC/DC ConverterSagem OEM
InstrumentationOEM
Top Speed62 MPH (99 KPH)
AccelerationGood enough for normal motorway driving. No drag racer.
Range300 Miles (482 Kilometers)
Planned to be enough to do a real-life 240 mile journey in the wet, in the dark, at 55 mph
Watt Hours/Mile280 Wh/Mile
Between 280 and 320 now confirmed on 200 mile motorway journey
EV Miles
Current:34,000 Miles (54,706 Kilometers)
 
    As of 3/11/2015
Seating Capacity2 adults
Curb Weight4,000 Pounds (1,818 Kilograms)
This is the max gross weight of the standard van from Citroen. The full battery pack would push it over this, and I must uprate the suspension. edit- Pack reduced to 900kg and springassisters.co.uk added to rear suspension. Spring asststers were noisy and unreliable, so I have fitted an XTR+ axle from IMaxles.co.uk - now very nice.
TiresMichelin Agilis 61. Shiny new ones to cope with the weight.
Conversion Time5 years. Too long.
Having its first charge now! I've driven it 100 miles on the charge the battery came with, and it's coping well with the extra weight.

2014-06-28
Longest journey so far 225 miles London - Manchester. Range looks good for 250 miles.

Charging is slow at 2kW!

Now for sale. Details on eBay
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