Trooper EV conversion
 

Hey everyone! Just found this site, looked around, and thought this is a place I should join and join in the communication, since you are all about doing what I am getting ready to do.

Let me tell you a bit about what I have and am converting.

I have a 1995 Isuzu Trooper (awesome SUV, by the way!) with nearly 300,000 miles on it. Body and running gear is in great condition, interior in great condition, you'd never guess it has 300,000 miles on it.

Anyway, the motor and tranny are getting a little weak, and, let's face it, it gets sucky gas mileage (16-17 mpg). So I am getting ready to pull the motor, have the tranny rebuilt, and convert to a gas/electric hybrid.

My plan is transplanting the engine with a large (120+ hp) electric motor/controller, driving the tranny with the back of the motor, the a/c compressor/power steering with the front of the motor, connect these to deep cycle 12v batteries, and use a small diesel Kubota lawn mower engine connected to an alternator to recharge the batteries.

This set up was originally used by Mother Earth News in the early 70's in an old Opel with a regular gas lawn mower engine and flooded lead acid batteries, so the principle is proven, and this would get some pretty good flexibility for me.

What I am doing now, and would appreciate any input from anyone who has info, is locating the specific parts I need to use, which batteries would be best & most cost effective, etc.

I look forward to reading more about what you guys are doing and appreciate any input you can give.

d. duck

Hi - sounds like an ambitious project!

Have you found the web sites you're looking for?

E.G. www.evparts.com

And the best place to spend a few hours looking at what kinds of equipment choices and performance you can expect in a truck-based conversion: www.evalbum.com. (Many of the vehicles there also give you the cost of the conversion.)

Don't be misled by horsepower ratings. A 120hp motor is gigantic - like 900lbs gigantic. Your truck doesn't need that kind of power. A large vehicle-duty motor will deliver 120hp for the brief period that you need that much power, like during acceleration. But before it can become completely heat-soaked and destroy itself from overheating, you'll have achieved your desired speed and backed off the throttle.

I think the power rating you're looking for is more along the lines of 50-60hp.
http://www.go-ev.com/motors-warp.html is the link to NetGain Tech, they've been dealing EV motors for a long time and provided the two 8" motors that drive White Zombie, a record-breaking EV dragster. Check it out.

I want to take my 98 tooper where you are going!
 

I would love to keep up with your conversion. I have a rising High School student who will be helping me prep 'his' car (either my Trooper or his mom's Volvo.) Gotta go electric/nat gas hybrid. I need to watch your progress! I am stoked!

GB-)

Sounds like a great project!

One thing to remember is that when you're stopped at the lights or something, your motor will be stopped, and so the A/C and the power steering will be stopped, too. A separate small motor could be better, if you're in traffic lots - though even if you're going slow over rough terrain they wouldn't be going very quick.

I look forward to reading more! Sounds alot like my project, only I'm aiming to use an old Brumby/BRAT ute :D

Welcome to the community!

Real world dreams?
 

I had read that I'll need another small motor to keep those (A/C/PS/PB) running. I was planning to review the high efficiency RV A/C units and maybe just trade out the whole shebang? PS & PB shouldn't take alot of ummmphhh. I am so foolish/bold as to want to try towing my L'il camper with this baby. It will make for an interesting journal of real world applications.

We all must stay tuned! I eagerly await anyone's progress.

GB-)

I'm getting ready to do the same thing with my 94 Trooper. Definately keep us posted on your progress!

Subscribed:

Few "Ideas" for you to consider

1) Use an Electric power steering pump from a Toyota MR2 or a Electric Rack from a Saturn Ion. If I'm not mistaken the New 7 series has a similar (but heavier duty setup).

2) Separate motor for A/C if in traffic much. If you drive on the highway a lot, consider a Diesel swap.

3) Use a Window unit A/C Hold on NOT in the factory case, Disassemble, mount parts wherever you need to, have an HVAC technician Re-charge. You could run it off of a decent sized inverter. Also you could get a Heat Pump for winter. (just an Idea)

4) Don't forget Vacuum pump for power brakes.

5) Know your Goals.

6) Like others said Electric HP ratings are continuos, where as Gasoline is Peak. Get a big controller and a Pack with some voltage and you can make a lot of power for a short period of time.

You Trooper guys sure do like those things, I know a guy locally who drives them, and wouldn't trade if for anything even though it spends more time in the shop than on the road.

Also try to find your closest chapter of the Electric Auto Association:
http://www.eaaev.org/

I was finally able to make it to a meeting (four hour drive away, yet worth it!)

There are some amazing people there.

Don't forget to check at the library for books on electric conversions. Always amazing what you can order through your public library!

Did you ever do this? I have a 1990 Troop with 253K. Engine is weak and needs a rebuild. I would love to convert but not sure how funtional the Trooper is. Any guidnece?

I have been waiting for a while as I would love to convert my ole' paint (98 trooper) to anything but gasoline. I've been told that Natural Gas is precluded by the feds, and I can't seem to find tables that compare gas horse power to electric motor output. Everyone remains so vague. Companies tell you "this is the unit. But without concrete facts I'm not spending the money. I can do most the math but the basic power needs are evading me.
So, No I haven't done this but have not given up on the possibility. I notice few posters return so I can only figure that they gave up.

GB-)

I was looking at the trooper too. I like the design and style a lot. Lots of floor space for batts in the back not much in the front. You could use the front diffrential pluss generator and electric lawn mower clutch for regen braking. The trooper Curb weight is 4000Lbs where a 87 Jeep Cherokee is if I remember right 3200-3700lbs So I may be looking at the Cherokee. on the Cherokee I bet motor and tranny weighs 600 lbs. Remove the ICE/tranny and get lighter seats. It may be doable.

You may want to look at this guy's EV videos on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/user/n2confusion

His third E-vehicle is a Suzuki Samurai.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj0qarGukRI

If you're quoting the Kubota V2203 as "small", with a turbocharger and intercooler it's enought to recharge the batteries of the electric drive AND move the vehicle itself. If you want it to have electric drive only, any small engine from a portable genset, such as those air-cooled 800cc 20hp V-Twin can get the job done.