The Beginningloewr battery boxLower batteries installedUpper batteries and chargerUnder the hood
OwnerAaron Proman
LocationMaputo, Maputo Mozambique map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1995 Land Rover Discovery
Was a diesel (300TDI) with engine trouble and plenty of rust.
MotorAzure Dynamics/Solectria AC55 3-Phase AC
DrivetrainManual 5 speed with clutch

Full time 4-wheel drive
ControllerAzure Dynamics/Solectria UMOC440
Batteries20 East Penn SLIGC12V, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
Rated at 155Ah at 20 hours; 77 minutes at 75A. One failed and two more exploded; those were replaced with three Trojan T-1275. The Trojans are better behaved.
System Voltage240 Volts
Charger Home built
Based on the design here:
WebPage
HeaterIn Mozambique? Not needed.
DC/DC ConverterIota DLS-240-55
InstrumentationAmmeter & Voltmeter on dash. Battery monitor records voltages of each battery.
Top Speed50 MPH (80 KPH)
We only use it in the city, so not much room to get up to higher speeds.
AccelerationThis is a very heavy vehicle, so acceleration is unimpressive.
Range25 Miles (40 Kilometers)
When the batteries were new, it had over 35 miles range, but we play it safe and keep the trips local.
Watt Hours/Mile430 Wh/Mile
Heavy with the aerodynamics of a brick wall.
EV Miles
Start:112,812 Miles (181,514 Kilometers)
Current:116,312 Miles (187,146 Kilometers)
Total:3,500 Miles (5,631 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity5 adults - rear cargo area holds 8 batteries.
Curb Weight5,800 Pounds (2,636 Kilograms)
Initial weighing with diesel was 4125lbs. Have not weighed since finishing, but 20 batteries, at 90lbs each, were added, so I estimate total is around 3 tons.
TiresGoodYear Wrangler AT/SA 245/70R16C
Conversion Time9 months, with lots of that time spent waiting for parts.
Conversion Cost$21k net.
Additional FeaturesPower steering (from Toyota MR2) with manual switch.

AC compressor from Masterflux, but the customized hoses were stolen so it is not functioning.

Changed rear springs for HD version with 3" lift; sits level now.
I discovered that it is usually easy to find parts for Land Rovers, even right hand drive, but delivery takes time.

code by jerry