Owner | Allan Poulsen | ||||||||
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Location | Ottawa, Ontario Canada map | ||||||||
Web/Email | WebPage | ||||||||
Vehicle | 1996 Ford Ranger XL extra-cab | ||||||||
Motor | Netgain WarP 9 Series Wound DC WebPage | ||||||||
Drivetrain | Clutch & 5 speed standard transmission | ||||||||
Controller | DC Power Systems DCP Raptor 1200 Originally supporting up to 600A, this DCP Raptor was updated to 1200A. Unfortunately this is no longer manufactured. | ||||||||
Batteries | 48 Thunder Sky 160Ah, 3.33 Volt, Lithium Iron Phosphate Actual brand is now called "Winston", previously called "Thunder Sky". The pack voltage is typically 150-160V during operation, and 160V during charging, rising to 175V at the end of charge. | ||||||||
System Voltage | 160 Volts | ||||||||
Charger | Elcon PFC2500 Elcon 2500W smart charger, 120/240VAC input, configured for 48 cells (175V max), with miniBMS input for safety. Output 160-175V DC at 8A at 120VAC input, and 15A output at 208/240VAC input. Also have an old Bycan, 120/240VAC input, configured for 144V DC nominal output (up to about 180V) and 8 to 16A output, with AC relays controlled by miniBMS to shut this charger down for safety. Powerstat variable transformer to reduce current draw by Bycan on 15A/20A 120VAC circuits. Also, Soneil 12V 5A charger with 240VAC input to keep 12V system happy and reduce DC/DC converter draw during pack charging/balancing. | ||||||||
Heater | 2x1500W Ceramic for cab, 1x500W oil filled radiator for batteries. Elcon charger and Soneil charger are also in battery box so heat can be used in winter. Fans in battery box to even out the heat distribution, and input and exhaust fans bring in cool air and exhaust warm air controlled by a thermostat. | ||||||||
DC/DC Converter | Go Power GPC-45 45A 12V output. | ||||||||
Instrumentation | Battery Amps and Volts, Motor Amps and Volts, miniBMS display, and custom LEDs (12: 1 per 4 cell segment) that will shut off if one of the cells fail. | ||||||||
Top Speed | 63 MPH (101 KPH) 100km/h (63MPH) is all I need. It can go faster now that it has lithium. | ||||||||
Acceleration | Much better now that it's 1000 lbs lighter with the lithium pack instead of lead. Typically first off the line, and acceleration is now reasonable overall. | ||||||||
Range | 50 Miles (80 Kilometers) 80km - Aggressive acceleration and braking, or higher speed (100km/h, 63MPH) uses 2A per km in this truck. Driving more conservatively brings the usage down to 1.5A/km, or even less, making a range of 100km (63miles) reachable with capacity to spare. | ||||||||
Watt Hours/Mile | 320 Wh/Mile 12kW @ 60km/h (37.5 MPH) = 12kW / 60km/h = 12000Wh / 60km = 200Wh/km * 1.6km/mile = 320Wh/mile (measured at the battery output) | ||||||||
EV Miles |
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Seating Capacity | 5 adults (uncomfortable), or 2 adults and 2 kids | ||||||||
Curb Weight | 3,400 Pounds (1,545 Kilograms) Dropped 1000 lbs when switched from 24 golf cart batteries (225Ah) to 48 lithium cells (160Ah). | ||||||||
Tires | 50 psi rated light truck tires. | ||||||||
Conversion Time | About 200 hours of labour. | ||||||||
Conversion Cost | CDN$12k parts and $8k labour, not including batteries. | ||||||||
Additional Features | Winterized battery box (1" foam insulation on all sides), 500W oil filled radiator heater (thermostat controlled) and chargers in the battery box, keeps batteries in good temperature range in winter ( >20C, even when -35C outside!). Fans for cooling in summer. MiniBMS balances and protects the lithium cells. Green electricity sourced from Bull Frog Power WebPage . License plate "SPARKYEV". Power steering, power brakes. 2 Extra leafs in rear suspension. Safety - 250 Amp breaker, 500A fuse, dual contactors, momentum switch, Anderson battery disconnect, MiniBMS, onboard breaker panel to distribute 240VAC safely to 2 onboard chargers. EV Plug inlet (J1772) connector behind fuel door. Additional 120VAC inlets, switched to allow for 120VAC service when J1772 EVSE not available, one to each charger. | ||||||||
I am the second owner, bought November 2002. Converted in April of 2001 by original owner Michael Anderson, and Rick Lane of REV Consultants ( WebPage ) Upgraded to lithium batteries in March 2012 by Rick Lane of REV Consultants, and CanEV (battery and charger supplier - WebPage ). |