Truck Battery BoxTruck Full View
OwnerPhil Bardsley
LocationChapel Hill, North Carolina United States map
Email email image
Vehicle1996 Ford Ranger
MotorAdvanced DC Series Wound DC
20 HP, 9 inch model
DrivetrainClutchless 5-speed manual
ControllerZapi 500 Amp
This 500 Amp control comes complete with diagnostic console
Batteries16 Trojan T-145, 6.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
Pack weighs 1152 lbs.
System Voltage96 Volts
ChargerK and W BC 20
Mounted in the dashboard where the passenger airbag used to be. Uses 110v input, can be adjusted up to 20 amps.
HeaterCeramic 12v defroster
DC/DC ConverterMeanwell SD-350D-12
The converter keeps the auxiliary battery charged.
InstrumentationThe controller's digital console is mounted near the driver. It shows motor volts, motor amps, and battery pack volts. A Magellan GPS supplies speed and miles driven.
Top Speed65 MPH (104 KPH)
Range35 Miles (56 Kilometers)
Estimated with hills mostly at 45 mph with some stop and go.
Watt Hours/Mile600 Wh/Mile
Based on the hours of charging needed after an average commute (hills, stop and go).
EV Miles
Current:10,750 Miles (17,296 Kilometers)
 
    As of 7/16/2009
Seating Capacity2 adults
Curb Weight3,875 Pounds (1,761 Kilograms)
TiresCooper Cobra Radial P225/70R14
Conversion TimeTopsail High School, under the direction of Steve Garrett (www.kickngas.org), converted the truck over the course of the 2000-2001 school year. Since then it's been modified and updated several times. I bought it from the school in June 2009.
Conversion Cost$6,000 not including some donated parts and service for the original conversion.
Additional FeaturesThe bed tilts up for battery access. A cable next to the steering wheel is connected to the battery pack's Anderson disconnect under the hood for emergencies.

Anderson Safety Disconnect
CD Player
This truck has won numerous awards at school competitions such as the EV Challenge/SMARTT Challenge (see smarttchallenge.com).

code by jerry