| Owner | William Brinsmead |
|---|---|
| Owner's Other EVs | 1992 Toyota MR-2 1992 GMC G-Van 1994 Chevrolet S-10 Trike 1996 APS Bus Little Boy My 1st EV |
| Location | Reno, Nevada US map |
| | |
| Vehicle | 1973 Cadillac Hearse completely gutted and converted to EV |
| Motor | Nelco N200ML012 Separately Excited DC Monster 385lb Sepex motor (with interpoles) and both internal and external forced air cooling. I've never seen the motor get warm enough for the external fan to kick on. Power rated at 60HP (45kw) and 238 ft. lbs. (Nm) torque continuous. Peak power unknown, but I'm sure quite massive. |
| Drivetrain | G-Van drive train, Sep EX Nelco motor and a Chloride Controller, Phil S. Described it nicly for his G-Van: The rear axle is "flipped" so the drive spline faces aft and where the fuel tank normally would live, there is a stubby little drive shaft that feeds into a custom-built transfer case. The electric motor is mounted longitudinally on the passenger side and connected into the transfer case. The whole assembly is mounted on rubber mounts to a subframe that bolts up into the van. The drive ratio of the transfer case is 1.85:1 and the axle is 4.875:1. In the transfer case, They have an electronic speed pick up and a parking pawl lock system just like an automatic. It's nicely built, but can "whine" a lot during regen. (much like the way a standard transmission does in reverse) |
| Controller | Chloride Mark 5-A A nice description again from Phil S.: High Frequency PWM based on a single massive 500A Darlington power block and a smaller (300A) one for Regen. There is also a smaller 4-quadrant PWM drive circuit for the SepEx field. Two 600 amp contactors break both positive AND negative pack voltage. All control circuits are optically isolated from everything else. Completing the unit is a 40A @ 14v DC-DC converter. Built on a massive cast heat-sink with a fiberglass top cover |
| Batteries | 36 Saft STM 180, 6.00 Volt, Nickel-Cadmium, Flooded |
| System Voltage | 216 Volts |
| Charger | Manzanita Micro PFC 20 |
| Heater | Diesel fueled hot water |
| DC/DC Converter | Belktronix 60 amp This is in addition to the 40 amp DC to DC in the chloride controller |
| Instrumentation | Link 10 and custom gauges |
| Top Speed | 60 MPH (96 KPH) |
| Acceleration | Hey, it weighs over 6000 lbs, but should keep up with traffic nicely plus it will be even lighter and more aerodynamic than my G-Van that is my current daily driver. |
| Range | 60 Miles (96 Kilometers) Depending on terrain and speed |
| Watt Hours/Mile | 1 Wh/Mile |
| Seating Capacity | 3 adults or more |
| Curb Weight | 6,000 Pounds (2,727 Kilograms) |
| Tires | 6 ply 15 inch |
| Conversion Time | 2 years |
| Conversion Cost | 20k with a lot of scrounging |
| Additional Features | Air conditioning uses a 3 phase compressor driven with an inverter from the pack, Power steering is done with a two speed controller and MR2 electric pump. As in a G-Van the motor bolted to a one speed gearbox with parking lock, a short drive line connects to rear facing differential |
| I was fortunate to acquire a second G-Van with a beat up body and good running gear, for a parts donor. The '73 Hearse came from Santa Rosa Ca. Fabrication and powder coating of the battery racks and other assemblies is finished. The body is almost ready for painting and final re-assembly. I am in process of replacing the rear deck inside as to be faithful to the original and still provide easy access to batteries and motor. More Photos coming asap. Our local EV club is at WebPage | |
1973 Cadillac Hearse
“E-Hearse or Screaming Banshee”
(under construction)
Last Updated 08-25-2009
Copyright © 1997-2009 by Mike Chancey