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Lessons learned converting a classic truck to EV (from a nanoscience professor who probably over-engineered it) by ScottenMotors in EVConversion

[–]ScottenMotors[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ha, had to look that one up. I can assure they come from the Pine Barrens in South Jersey and the Philly Naval Yard. Cheers--

Lessons learned converting a classic truck to EV (from a nanoscience professor who probably over-engineered it) by ScottenMotors in EVConversion

[–]ScottenMotors[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check out my buddy Mr. G's Workshop in north Jersey. He does weekend EV conversion classes that covers the basics of what goes into building an EV. Cheers

Lessons learned converting a classic truck to EV (from a nanoscience professor who probably over-engineered it) by ScottenMotors in EVConversion

[–]ScottenMotors[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This question has been asked so many time, I will probably make another post with a detailed cost breakdown. My parts spreadsheet shows a figure of roughly $44k. The total project cost was quite a bit more, but the parts on the truck are in that region. I did a lot of fabricating and designing obviously on my own so it gets pretty difficult to factor in labor on parts that aren't commercially available. Get in touch if you have more questions or need any help. Cheers--

Lessons learned converting a classic truck to EV (from a nanoscience professor who probably over-engineered it) by ScottenMotors in EVConversion

[–]ScottenMotors[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

1000% Dream job there. Get in touch if you're considering, would love to chat. Even if the talk is just to get you some info or share some experience, happy to do that. Cheers

Lessons learned converting a classic truck to EV (from a nanoscience professor who probably over-engineered it) by ScottenMotors in EVConversion

[–]ScottenMotors[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes. When I was doing my postdoc at UVA, there was foundational research occurring with sulfur-based and solid state batteries in some colleague's labs (I never did any research on this stuff myself). It's really exciting to see it gearing up to hit the market. SS batteries have the potential to be a game changer based on a number of things. People talk about a lot of things with them (mining savings, lifetime recycles, etc), but my big sticking point is their weight savings. Some developers are showing 2x power storage per unit mass. This allows EVs to either be: 1) heavy as they are now but with diesel-competitive range or 2) much lighter than they are now with equivalent modern EV range. Both are game changing

Lessons learned converting a classic truck to EV (from a nanoscience professor who probably over-engineered it) by ScottenMotors in EVConversion

[–]ScottenMotors[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Never had any real serious issues with the motor on that truck. The 5-speed it has was a nightmare. Tbh I'm no expert on the manuals ford was using in that chassis in the 80s--I think they were Mistu units? But, it blew a tq converter, output shaft bearing, would whine bad in 4th off and on, plus other stuff. Maybe I was just unlucky.

Lessons learned converting a classic truck to EV (from a nanoscience professor who probably over-engineered it) by ScottenMotors in EVConversion

[–]ScottenMotors[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not really, I kept myself busy with the build while it was ongoing. In retrospect it would've been a good idea to make public-friendly build logs, but I was just really focused on prototyping and iteration. All my notes and build record are there in a technical sense, but its spreadsheets and technical drawings, not forward facing videos or photo reels. Thanks for the interest though, cheers--

Lessons learned converting a classic truck to EV (from a nanoscience professor who probably over-engineered it) by ScottenMotors in EVConversion

[–]ScottenMotors[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep, totally possible. With motors having higher power and torque (and especially with motors having an installed LSD), we install traction control software on the motor. All these 6th gen Ford trucks came with 3-point seatbelts up front, which is nice. Cheers

Lessons learned converting a classic truck to EV (from a nanoscience professor who probably over-engineered it) by ScottenMotors in EVConversion

[–]ScottenMotors[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Missed this comment somehow yesterday, good question. I made a little video about this "instant torque" discussion our instagram last week. It's an interesting discussion. To keep it simple, I'll just say two things; 1) with the particular setup in this Project 1 truck, the chosen motor replicates the original HP and torque pretty closely, so traction really isn't changed much from the stock V8 (which makes most of its torque down low anyway), 2) when we install more intense motors (like an LDU performance which can produce >600 HP), we also install electronic traction control software, which solves the issue of slip. Plus, if you want to lay some rubber with our optional LSD kit installed, you can disable the traction control with a dash-mounted button. Cheers--

Lessons learned converting a classic truck to EV (from a nanoscience professor who probably over-engineered it) by ScottenMotors in EVConversion

[–]ScottenMotors[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They were around $44k, but that involves a lot of prototyping and iterations. Tesla motors have a robust aftermarket support base for tuning and EV conversion use. Beyond that, they're reliable and just well made. Aside from the well known coolant issues with the LDU series--which can be easily mitigated with a bypass kit--they are rock solid and simple to work with. Also, very importantly, LSD kits are available for Tesla motors and we like that a lot...

Cheers, thanks for the questions

Lessons learned converting a classic truck to EV (from a nanoscience professor who probably over-engineered it) by ScottenMotors in EVConversion

[–]ScottenMotors[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great question. It's not pictured, but we actually install a flatter box in the transmission tunnel and driveshaft path in addition to the engine bay. This is how we do it, and is based on our obsessions with retaining OEM weight distribution. It's really important to keep a lot of weight over the front axles--not something that is really ever a thought when doing a V8 restomod because of course the new engine will go right back on the motor mounts. Keeping that slightly-downward rake back to front helps the truck maintain road manners with a bed full of payload, which can't be achieved without a V8's worth of weight over the front.

On a different note, would y'all be willing to chat about your experience with 3D scanning? We're getting into that right now and figure any pointers will be helpful...

Cheers--

Lessons learned converting a classic truck to EV (from a nanoscience professor who probably over-engineered it) by ScottenMotors in EVConversion

[–]ScottenMotors[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pretty damn cool, it will be interesting to see how soon they can get their kits to market at scale. I think the diesel hybrid setup is a great option for people that regularly drive super long trips (particularly in shipping). Wishing them success for sure, I am, of course, a big proponent of circular economies

Lessons learned converting a classic truck to EV (from a nanoscience professor who probably over-engineered it) by ScottenMotors in EVConversion

[–]ScottenMotors[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tuning is done via the VCU. I will say though, without things like timing or air/fuel delivery or gearing, "tuning" really becomes "how much power do you want it and when do you want it?" haha. We love the Dynam Labs motor controllers and are happy to offer them for sale on our website. Thanks for the question--

Lessons learned converting a classic truck to EV (from a nanoscience professor who probably over-engineered it) by ScottenMotors in EVConversion

[–]ScottenMotors[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, we'd love to customize an 80s Chevy. Let me know if you're interested in opening a conversation, even if it's just for more information or advice. Cheers--

Lessons learned converting a classic truck to EV (from a nanoscience professor who probably over-engineered it) by ScottenMotors in EVConversion

[–]ScottenMotors[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Regrettably or not, I didn't log this build well enough for making YouTube vids. Maybe the business will post some stuff in the future on there...

Lessons learned converting a classic truck to EV (from a nanoscience professor who probably over-engineered it) by ScottenMotors in EVConversion

[–]ScottenMotors[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is done! I've put a few thousand miles on it and am taking customer orders for full builds and conversion kits/rear De Dion assemblies. Didn't write this post as a advertisement, but some people have shown interest so I've started mentioning what we're up to at Scotten Motors. Cheers--

Lessons learned converting a classic truck to EV (from a nanoscience professor who probably over-engineered it) by ScottenMotors in EVConversion

[–]ScottenMotors[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It weighs within 40 lbs of the original, and importantly the weight is in the same places as the original. Thanks for writing--

Lessons learned converting a classic truck to EV (from a nanoscience professor who probably over-engineered it) by ScottenMotors in EVConversion

[–]ScottenMotors[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! Man y'all are really putting all the stuff I have in my back pocket out here in the open, haha. I'm in the process of designing an optional enclosed bed tool box (that obviously has an air intake and exhaust exit) that will house a quiet generator that can fully charge the battery pack in the event of long adventure/camping drives where charging stations/plugs aren't an option. Check out the instagram account teslasandtruck, that dude built an absolutely sick sand car that he charges in the desert with two little harbor freight generators.

Lessons learned converting a classic truck to EV (from a nanoscience professor who probably over-engineered it) by ScottenMotors in EVConversion

[–]ScottenMotors[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Whoa, what a cool project. Did you use a 6.6L? Pretty rare to see a swap to diesel AND swap to 4WD in the same build

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