OwnerTim Crumpton
LocationAltrincham, England United Kingdom map
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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.
Batteries204 200Ah, 3.20 Volt, Lithium-Ion
China HiPower LiFePO4 200Ah cells arranged 51s4p to give 800Ah. Supplied with the assistance of TYC Track in Southport, England.
System Voltage162 Volts
Charger
Supplied by battery manufacturer, incorporating sense lines to every cell for BMS function, but no low voltage protection.
HeaterWill need to be fitted. Probably hair dryer element in heater duct. 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/Mile400 Wh/Mile
To be checked
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
TiresMichelin Agilis 61. Shiny new ones to cope with the weight.
Conversion Cost£40,000 for the batteries, £1000 for van(less-battery)

code by jerry