OwnerJon Buxton
LocationDurban, Kwa-Zulu Natal South Africa map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle2006 Ford Bantam in South Africa. (Courier in Brazil and so
The Ford Bantam (As sold in South Africa, is an LDV, 1/2 ton pick-up truck based on the Ford Fiesta range (pre 2006, I think). Mine is FWD 1.3i, pure standard pick-up, for now ;)
Please ignore the photo, that's just a sample and not mine, mine does look the same though.
Motor Not sure yet Series Wound DC
I am currently looking for a DC motor in the 8 - 12Kw range. Will let you know as soon as I get my hands on one.
Drivetrain1.3i, driving front wheels through 5 speed manual. Planning a supplemental RWD system using a Ford Ranger Diff in the rear, driven by a 96v motor, with about 200Ah of battery reserve. Idea is to assist ICE in town, or cruise on EV power out in the open. Still very much a design concept right now though
Controller Not sure yet
Will probably go for a Curtis unit, have used a Curtis in a Beach Buggy in the past (A friends) and it does what it is supposed to with reserves, if needed.
Batteries2400 Sony 18650 , 3.70 Volt, Lithium-Ion
Hoping to use LiIon (18650 LiIon cells, al-la the Tesla Roadster and S models, or LiPO cells, to make up 96v 200Ah. going to be expensive, especially in South Africa, but worth it I think. Currently collecting Notebook cell-packs to recycle cells that can still be used, going well so far, only about 2000 to go :)
System Voltage96 Volts
Charger Going ot be a Homemade job, made from recycled spa
HeaterStandard
DC/DC Converter Again Homemade from recycled spares
InstrumentationStandard, since nothing will change, only the addition of the components to create the Electric RWD setup. Will put in an additional V meter, as well as an Amp meter, will help with tracking range, charging, etc.
Top Speed60 MPH (96 KPH)
Not sure yet, but adequate.
Range60 Miles (96 Kilometers)
Calculated at about 100Km
Seating Capacity2
Tires185/65R14
Conversion CostFinal cost will be in the region of about 50k ZAR, about $5k. Not a lot if one takes int eh probable savings.

code by jerry