Taz
Electric Truck Conversion
September, 9 2008
A few months ago, I decided I wanted to convert a vehicle to electric.
I visited some web sites and realized there was a lot to learn.
I ordered the book,
"Build Your Own Electric Vehicle" by Bob Brant.
This book is rather old, but it is considered one of the best books on the topic. A new edition will be available later this year.
As I look around, I found that trucks were a much better platform. I had considered converting my Mazda 626. But, it would not be easy. So, I sold my Mazda and started searching for a truck.
Small trucks are good platforms for conversion. Here are some of the advantages:
- They are small
- They have a lot of room for batteries
- They are designed to handle additional loads
- They provide battery storage that is physically separated from the occupants
- And, there are many kits available!
I firmly decided to search for a Chevy S-10 after I found there were many kits available.
For example, here is a kit from evparts.com.
I had hoped to find a truck for sale that had a good body, but a bad engine. Sales people look at you funny when you ask if they have any vehicles that don't run well. Luckily, a friend at work found a truck a relative wanted to sell.
On September, 8, 2008, I bought an S-10 from Andrew Martin. It is a 1985 S-10 with a manual
transmission, manual steering and non-power breaks. This is a good combination since I would not need additional motors to run the power steering pump, etc...
I bought the truck and started looking
for an appropriate conversion kit. I quickly realized that this truck had a 1.9L engine.
The kit from evparts.com is suited for 2.2L, 2.5L and 2.8L engines.
This was my first bump in the road.
October, 3 2008
Bob Brant's book lists suppliers of conversion kits (page 119). I contacted
KTA Services Inc. looking for a kit for a 1.9L S-10.
For a few days, they look for the appropriate adapter. Apparently, the 1.9L is a fairly
rare model? So, I will add a transmission for a 2.5L engine to my shopping list.
I found the people at KTA Services Inc. to be very helpful.
So, I ordered a kit from them. The parts should start arriving in a few days.
October, 6 2008
I've checked a few sources for information about the transmission, and
I continue to receive conflicting information.
I checked on the availability for a transmission compatible with the 1985
2.5L engine. The results indicate the transmissions are interchangeable.
I have determined to proceed as if this were the case.
This week, I will prepare the engine for removal.
October, 12 2008
I decided to create a new website for people to document projects of a "green" nature.
I've moved my truck updates to this web site: www.BackYardGreen.Net.
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