Part of the road test is the cyclic brake test, which requires the Certifier to perform three or five hard stops from 100kph [...]]]> A stringent Road Test procedure is required for modified vehicles with changed wheels and tyres, modified suspension such as coil-overs, brake modifications, engine changes or any other modifications which may affect the on-road performance.

Part of the road test is the cyclic brake test, which requires the Certifier to perform three or five hard stops from 100kph to zero within two minutes, on a typical, uneven road surface.
Problems which can occur during the Brake Test are
1 Brake Fade, where the brakes or brake linings are inadequate for the performance or the weight of the vehicle,
2 Brake imbalance, where front and rear brakes are not matched, and wheel lockup is happening before optimum braking is achieved,
3 Wheel bounce and chatter, where the suspension is unable to keep the tyres in contact with the road surface to achieve good braking,
4 Dangerous effects on the steering, where the vehicle becomes unstable, or is hard to keep on course during braking.
5 Malfunction of ABS, EBD, Brake assist, and Stabililty Control systems.

The car being tested here is a 1988 Nissan Silvia, fitted with a SR20DET motor with drivetrain, front intercooler, S14 brakes and 5 stud hubs, adjustable platform struts, adjustable caster bars (front) Adjustable camber arms and adjustable toe arms (rear) and competition seats. It has been set up as a drift car, but it is an excellent handling car for road use.

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 [...]]]>

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 LVVTA advise that the GVM of the vehicle cannot be exceeded, 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)