Electric Rav 4
RAV4 EV under construction
We have Certified a number of Electric Vehicles. The vehicle shown runs on an AC motor, with lithium Ion batteries. Other vehicles run on DC motors and lead Acid Batteries.
When Lead Acid batteries are used, ventilation is required to ensure that the hydrogen gas given off cannot be ignited, or fill the inside of the car. Litjium Ion batteries do not have this problem.
Weight is a major consideration, the LTSA will not allow electric vehicles to exceed the GVM of the standard vehicle by more that about 10%, which can limit the number of batteries used, or require seating positions to be removed. A good vehicle to convert is a commercial vehicle which will have a much higher GVM for load carrying, ths will allow a greater weight of batteries to be carried.
Vacuum brakes pose a challenge- one solution is to fit an electric vacuum pump.
Power Steering is another challenge- there are electric steering systems in some vehicles, and there are electric power steering pumps also.
Good news is that Electric Vehicles are exemted from Road User charges, which makes a huge saving in runing costs, (along with the saving in fuel of course)
To ensure that you avoid any LVV Certification problems, talk to John at an early stage
John Brett Technology Ltd. 0800 LOW VOLUME (0800 569865)
Really fascinating story, something comparable to this happened to me not too long ago and it pretty much played out in the same way to how you describe it.
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