Electric Minivan Conversion?

by Arthur
(Chester PA )




We'd like to have a minivan or airport bus sized vehicle converted to electric with air conditioning,
We'd like a 60-70 mile range at highway speeds 55-70 mph. Is this feasible?


Hi, Arthur!

I don't think it's out of the question. Ford is doing something like this with their Transit Connect Electric.

You'll want an AC drive system and good lithium batteries. You'll want direct drive or manual so that you don't throw energy away on the transmission.

Another idea is that you could go hybrid.

Take that same donor vehicle, a minivan or even somewhat larger vehicle, rear wheel drive, automatic transmission, air conditioning, 1996 or newer, and install Netgain's EMIS (Engine Motor Interface System). It's basically one of their excellent electric motors and a computer interface to talk to your car's engine - added to your existing car to make a parallel hybrid, very simply. The computer smoothly applies electric motor power when you're accelerating and other high-gas-usage instances, there is a small battery pack involved, and you'll never have to change your driving habits.

Regards,
Lynne

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