1987 Ford Ranger
OwnerDoug
LocationCalgary, Alberta Canada map
Vehicle1987 Ford Ranger EXT Cab
MotorNetgain Transwarp 11 Series Wound DC
Drivetrain5 speed Manual transmission.
No Clutch. I have driven tis vehicle with & now without a clutch, but I actually prefer having a clutch. It enables a quicker gear change.
Controller Home built from kit
Batteries12, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, AGM
Secondhand batteries from local telephone company.
System Voltage144 Volts
Charger Bad Boy charger with improvements.
I have a Bad Boy home built and using a large Variac, plus an added 12 volt automatic charger for the System battery. It charges all the batteries together. Approx 8 hours to recharge.
HeaterCeramic 110 volt heater built ino the heater radiator core. Not very effective in Canadian weather, but does demist the windshield ok.
DC/DC ConverterIota 30 amp
I tried unsucessfully to make one and ended up purchasing one of these systems. The best thing I ever did. It works flawlessly on my 144 volt system.
InstrumentationAmmeter 0 - 300amp. Voltmeter 0- 200volt. Vacuum gauge for brakes.
Top Speed79 MPH (127 KPH)
This vehicle will reach 125 KM/ph on a flat road but it will not be able to hold this speed for long. At 90 to 100km/hr, it can cruise for 45 km.
AccelerationAbout the same as most 6 cylinder cars.
Range28 Miles (45 Kilometers)
With new batteries I could get a range of about 45 miles.
Watt Hours/Mile250 Wh/Mile
EV Miles
Current:5,689 Miles (9,153 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity2 adults
Curb Weight4,500 Pounds (2,045 Kilograms)
Front suspension has had to be lifted by fitting stronger springs. Power steering box was removed and replaced with a regular one. Vacuum pump for braking.
TiresOriginal for the vehicle.
Conversion Time2 years of spare time.
Conversion Cost$5100.00 so far.
Additional FeaturesI have also fitted a cooling blower to the motor as it tended to get a bit too warm in the summer. I am busy at the moment building a battery box on the back and will insulate it thoroughly then fit an electric blanket over the insulation, then come the batteries. This should improve my winter range which is limited at at the moment. Nex summer I intend modifying the motor and transmission again to accomodate a clutch.
Most of the bits and pieces for this vehicle have been bought from scrap yards and the like. Since I'm a pensioner I have to be thrifty with purchases. For the vacuum pump I used a Cadillac compressor which runs off 12v and used the suction side instead of outlet. Put a filter on the output to muffle the sound. These can be bought cheaply at the breakers yard.

code by jerry