1995 Toyota pickup EV conversion...

[Clev]

Originally Posted by spacer

So, I'll have my 4x4, and it'll be a hybrid. This is only a germ of an idea, and I haven't touched the battery/charger issue yet, but I'm thinking that won't be as much an issue as with a pure EV.

It's a good germ. In fact, Chrysler patented a version of it as their "through the road hybrid" system. It would also be nice for stop-and-go traffic and cruising in slow zones and residential areas without having to run the engine at all.

[busypaws]

I have a 95 Toyota PU 5speed 2.4L 4cyl and 2wd. Lifetime is 27.1 mpg.
I don't know anything about the 4wd or 6cyl.

I have thought about modding it to be solar powered accessories. I live here in AZ. I.E. Put a couple of batteries, and a solar panel in the back. Then remove alternator, add electric cooling fan, convert to electric A/C, etc...

The only thing I've done so far is a small panel (5W) on the dash and an alternator kill switch.

I think Chevy had an S10 that they made all electric 10yrs ago. Google it and see how they did it. A pickup might be the best since you have a nice place to put some lead acid batteries and still have room for cargo. When you DIY try to make sure you seperate the batteries from the people compartment so if you make a mistake you do get a cabin on fire or full of bad gasses.

[Clev]

Originally Posted by busypaws

I think Chevy had an S10 that they made all electric 10yrs ago. Google it and see how they did it. A pickup might be the best since you have a nice place to put some lead acid batteries and still have room for cargo. When you DIY try to make sure you seperate the batteries from the people compartment so if you make a mistake you do get a cabin on fire or full of bad gasses.

There are also many conversion at the EV Album. The Ranger and S10 seem to be popular options.

There's plenty of room under the bed on a full-size truck to put a few batteries--especially if the spare tire is deleted/relocated. (There's probably even room under the cab for a couple.)

BTW, you would want a way to install the solar panel without increasing drag. Otherwise, you may lose more than you gain. Might be ideal for installing in one of the aerocap projects bouncing around the forums here, though you'd have to make sure you're parked facing the right way.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by busypaws

I have a 95 Toyota PU 5speed 2.4L 4cyl and 2wd. Lifetime is 27.1 mpg.
I don't know anything about the 4wd or 6cyl.

I'm at 26.7 mpg over the last 7K miles in my '88 4WD, 4 cyl - it's got about 215K miles on it, and I basically don't drive it unless at least part of the trip is on steep & rough dirt, through deep snow, loaded down with firewood, or hauling stuff from Home Depot.

For a conversion, I think it'd be better to fix this one up and find another one that has a bad engine. The basic model had a long production run, and they do tend to last, at least around here where there's not much winter road salting.