Electirc Van conversion?

[barkersnest]

Hi there,

I'm planning on jumping on board the bedford band wagon as it were and i'm considering making it electric with a gas back up?


What do you think?

http://www.evmotors.com.au/services/quickguide.html

[Hobbit]

Hi barkersnest,

I personally like the idea of an electric Bedford. The weight of the van is probably an issue.
It's amazing to see that an electric Datsun 1200 can out-run a 454 muscle car on the dragstrip.

[SkippyThBushKangeroo]

interesting...  but i would have to get a cd of a V8 running to play, as is one of the many things i luv about "ol futile"           

[tiwaz_nz]

in the uk ... and maybe else where ... they did do a electric bedford ..
google it

CF Electric

One noteworth point was in 1982 with the introduction of the CF Electric, the first mass produced electric driven fossil fuel derived vehicle. It was built in partnership between Bedford, Lucas, Chloride Group and the UK Government on a 5 year grant scheme. The batteries were housed in a compartment below the floor and the traction came from a motor placed at the rear with a step down reduction gearbox coupled to the CF's standard differential, but turned through 180'. The motor control system was housed under the bonnet and a small diesel heater provided cabin heating. The system also featured regenerative braking, however this could be turned off as it was found that in wet conditions the motor could lock the rear wheels similar to applying the handbrake. Most where sold to government agencies, the Royal Mail and local authorities. However with a price tag much higher than a standard CF, and battery technology at the time not advancing the government scheme wound down in 1987, and the model was withdrawn and spares for it soon dried up.

http://bedfordcfelectric.blogspot.co.nz/

[Hobbit]

Good info tiwaz, does it say what sort of range (kms) they had?

Even with modern Lithium-ion batteries, range is the biggest problem, apart from the lack of
recharging stations. The technology is advancing steadily.

[SkippyThBushKangeroo]

what about solar panels....  is that tech advanced enough to supply its demands    would work well here... ( cept maybe melbourne in the winter )..       

[Hobbit]

Like you said Skippy, a CD of sampled V8 sounds would be essential.

There would have to be a pitch shifter connected to the accelerator pedal for authenticity......
Digital samples of everything from big block Chevs, through to hot 4's could be selected, and
directed to run through the tailpipes. You could even adjust the volume at will.

One of the audio engine samples could even be 'Ol Futile'. LOL

[barkersnest]

I heard in some electric car in Japan they had to introduce car sound as the public were walking out in from of cars as they were so quite.


I was thinking a tank sound......that should do it.


Thanks for the info gents.

[rossie]

Back awhile ago, someone here put a post up about a thing that pluged in to your lighter socket and gave out v8 sounds. I was talking to a customer the other day about it.

[mezzmo]

Yeah I got one a while ago for laugh........piece of shit!!!