Engine RoomLeft Side of the Engine ComprtmentRight Side of Engine CompartmentMotor Center SectionEngine Room Center sectionSolar Panels On TruckThe StartRear Bed
OwnerPhil Galati
LocationMorris Plains, New Jersey United States map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1986 Ford Ranger
This truck has been rebuilt to be electric. It has been an EV for the past 6 years. It has just undergone it's second upgrade and is on it's way to it's third upgrade of a solar charging system. The truck is new from it's windshield to it's 2005 ford ranger rear.
MotorAdvanced DC Series Wound DC
9"
DrivetrainThe truck started with a Warp 8 and a Curtis 400 amp controller. It's second upgrade has changed that configuration to an Advanced 9" with a 1,000 amp Zilla controller. The trans is a Chevy S-10 4 speed, The clutch has been removed, the drive shaft is brand new as of last summer. The rear is from a 2005 Ford Ranger with 4:10 gears. The rear end uses an air bag setup with two leaf springs per side. The front end is stock and the ride is fine.
ControllerCafe Electric Zilla
1,000 amp
Batteries24 Trojan 145, 6.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
All batteries are deep cycle including the Trojan 12 VDC ignition battery
System Voltage144 Volts
Charger N/A
Battery charging is Home Made. There is a 110VAC input to a full bridge rectifier it also has an analog volt and amp meter running during charge times under normal charging of about 80% STC the battery pack will pull a declining 10 amps and usually trickle charges around 2 amps.
HeaterThe heater just blew yesterday. I gotta tell you it's cold in New Jersey.
DC/DC ConverterZivan 120 - 12 VDC
I love this converter I have no trouble with it at all. I know the cost is high but, I have no horror stories about it. It is very consistent.
InstrumentationSpeedometer, Tach (not presently hooked up)12 volt amp gauge, LED battery pack fuel gauge, Amp gauge, Volt meter, Zilla controller Temp. Gauge
Top Speed75 MPH (120 KPH)
I still have a problem with the speedometer. being I installed a Chevy trans in the truck I also installed Chevy instruments in the dash. I am trying to get the correct speedometer gear in the trans. as soon as I do I will post the speed.
AccelerationThe truck now has a 3 foot burn out signature on the road with the addition of a 9" motor. I'm in love all over again!
Range47 Miles (75 Kilometers)
My last range check was 47 miles at 60 degrees outside. The truck does not have a battery warming system it, and I don't believe in them.
EV Miles
Current:29,000 Miles (46,661 Kilometers)
 
    As of 3/30/2010
Seating Capacity2 adults anything else is a real pain!
Curb Weight4,000 Pounds (1,818 Kilograms)
From what I can figure prior to this upgrade the truck has gained a little weight going from 120VDC to 144VDC. Somewhat like the owner!
TiresHigh pressure Cooper truck tires.
50 pounds pressure per tire.
Conversion TimeThe initial conversion on the truck was about three months. It needed everything and major bodywork.
Conversion Cost$12,000
Additional Features144 Volt Solar Panel, Full rear fender graphics, Custom engine compartment, bumper mounted tow bar brackets.
I know all of the people reading this know what an EV Grin is. Please get other people interested in EV's. It's the only way this country is going to save itself, and you can make those EV grins more common.

code by jerry