ceramic heater elements
OwnerRichard Bebbington
Owner's Other EV1992 Toyota Supra Turbo
LocationCardiff, Wales United Kingdom map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1974 British Leyland Mini Pickup
This is a genuine, rare-as-hen's-teeth Mini pickup!
Motorunknown Electrodynamic Construction Co. Series Wound DC
8 HP 45 Volt 160 Amp 3500 RPM, UK made ages ago, aluminium-cased. Bought from Paul Compton. Dual filed coils reconnected in series to increase torque output. Runs very hot - it's only rated at 8 HP!!
Have got a Netgain Impulse9 that might go in...
DrivetrainMini automatic gearbox with geartrain and valve block removed, custom adaptor built for direct drive. A 2:1 toothed belt drive connects the motor to the gearbox adaptor.
ControllerDC Power Systems Raptor 600
156 Volt, 600 Amp
Batteries10 Exide Maxxima 900DC, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, AGM
Brand new pack for 2007!
with Rudman Mk2b regulators
System Voltage120 Volts
ChargerManzanita Micro PFC-30
I had enough of messing about with surplus PSUs, and bought a system from Rich Rudman. Damn fine piece of kit!
Heatertwo 120 Volt 1500 Watt ceramic heaters from Canadian Tire, in standard Mini heater box
DC/DC ConverterVicor Megamod 400
156V unit from a Sparrow
works ok, but would be better if it Corbin Motors had chosen the 15V variant not 12V. Output voltage isn't quite high enough
Instrumentationa) Speedometer b) 500 Amp current gauge c) voltmeter d) Xantrex Link10 Emeter e) custom scanning battery monitor with LCD display
Top Speed55 MPH (88 KPH)
I dare not let the motor spin any faster...
AccelerationQuick, as long as the belt doesn't jump. After 30 mph, it's slower
Range25 Miles (40 Kilometers)
25 real-world miles on 120V pack of buddy paired 50 Ah Dynasty AGMs
(they didn't last long)
Shorter range with the single string of Exide Maxximas
Seating Capacity2 small people :-)
Curb Weight2,200 Pounds (999 Kilograms)
estimated
TiresYokohama A008's on Wolfrace 10 inch alloy wheels ( definately not low; rolling resistance! )
Conversion Timeseveral years, still fiddling with it
Conversion Costtoo much! ;-)
Additional FeaturesRigid cover for load bed, hinges up with gas struts.
Mini Sport alloy 4-pot brake calipers with vented discs and finned drums at the rear.
MES 12V vacuum pump.
Hiennemann 250 Amp circuit breaker.
Albright "Big Red Button" safety kill switch.
Prototype battery monitoring system from Paul Compton, with PIC code mods by myself
Vehicle was totally rebuilt, with many new panels welded in.

I've since sold the vehicle on, but have kept the electric bits. Motor will probably be sold for someone else to get started on EVs, controller, charger, etc I'm keeping for the Supra project...

code by jerry