RemovalEmptyMotor MountMotor
OwnerPhilip Rash
LocationDurham, North Carolina United States map
Email email image
Vehicle1996 Dodge Dakota
MotorNetgain WarP 9 Series Wound DC
Drivetrain3.9L V6 with 5-speed manual transmission.
Retained transmission for conversion.
ControllerSynkromotive DC 750
Batteries46 CALB/Skyenergy CAM72FI, 3.20 Volt, Lithium Iron Phosphate
72Ah Lithium cells; using Dilithium Designs
Battery Management System from Thunderstruck
Motors
System Voltage147 Volts
Charger TSM2500
Thunderstruck Motors TSM2500 144v charger
HeaterCeramic element (in place of original core).
Reasonable for NC winters...
DC/DC ConverterElcon TDC-I-144-12-A12
1000W Converter
InstrumentationAnalog Battery Voltmeter, Battery & Motor
Ammeters, Original Tachometer and Speedometer.
Raspberry Pi interfaces to motor controller
for more stats.
Top Speed60 MPH (96 KPH)
(60 mph is top demonstrated speed so far)
AccelerationReasonable for traffic...
Range30 Miles (48 Kilometers)
Watt Hours/Mile350 Wh/Mile
Efficiency measured from batteries is typically
300 to 350 Whr/Mile.
EV Miles
Start:208,600 Miles (335,637 Kilometers)
Current:220,900 Miles (355,428 Kilometers)
Total:12,300 Miles (19,790 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity2 adults (or 3 close friends)
Curb Weight3,400 Pounds (1,545 Kilograms)
(estimated)
Tires4 round ones
Additional FeaturesPower Steering pump (used pump from an MR2) provides adequate
pressure for steering rack. Vehicle steers very easily.

Performance much improved since installing the Synkromotive
controller. (Previously had a Curtis 1231C.) Also really like the
capability to set many different operating parameters (max currents,
min battery voltage, etc).
Started conversion in September 2008. Got it inspected and tagged
July 2010. Been driving it to work and back home (approx average 8
miles per day) most work days since early August 2010.

Can really tell the difference in acceleration and efficiency when
the truck went from 1500 pounds of lead-acid to 200 pounds of
Lithium. (January 2018)

Fun to drive and nice to have reduced my gasoline consumption!

*Credit for the nickname goes to a friend - though the vehicle is not
hybrid, I still got a chuckle out of his nickname for it!

code by jerry