The Triton 4x4 EV
Alternative energy sources will be central in addressing societies concerns with peak oil and carbon dioxide emissions. Fuel can be a major input cost on farm and the CO2 emissions of all industries are now being examined. This aspect of the project has seen the conversion of a Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R to electric power. Electric vehicles are only as environmentally friendly as their power source so this vehicle is charged using 100% Countrygreen (Country Energy’s certified renewable power). [Our entire farm electricity requirements are also supplied by Countrygreen]
This vehicle capable of all normal on farm 4x4 work and was also designed to pull the Agrowplow AD Hybrid Discdrill. As the vehicle is charged using only Wind, Hydroelectric and solar renewable power, it is a true Zero Emission Vehicle. The embodied energy for the vehicle and machinery production is easily offset with only a portion of the trees we have planted on farm this year. The use of this vehicle for both ‘No Kill’ and ‘Pasture cropping’ will mean that its operation actively assists in the sequestering of carbon in the soil. This is one better than carbon neutral. This 2.1 ton 4x4 vehicle could arguably be described as the most environmentally friendly vehicle in the world.
We have enough solar generating capacity on farm to supply the needs of the Triton EV. This power is fed into the grid during the day and used again to charge the vehicle at night, when demand is low.
THE BASIC PRINCIPLE
It is possible to have a vehicle that has no emissions and is
charged using only renewable resources.
Triton EV – electric conversion specifications:
Vehicle:
2006 Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R dual cab
Motor: 150kW 500Nm Netgain Warp11 Series wound DC
(Supplier ZEVA www.zeva.com.au
)
Drivetrain:
Standard 5 speed Triton gearbox (less clutch) with
highand low range 4x4
Controller: Café Electric Z1K LV1000amps 156volts
(supplier EV
source www.evsource.com
)
Batteries: 45 x Thunder Sky TS-LFP200AHA 3.2 volt lithium-Ioncells
(supplier Foundry & Fibreglass www.thebackshed.com
)
System Voltage: 144 Volts
DC to DC – IOTA Engineering
DLS -45
Charger: LiFePO4 custom Battery Charger and TS90 BMS
master control unit and cell modules
(supplier EV Power Australia
www.evpower.com.au)
Curb Weight: 2100kg
Vehicle conversion by Thunderbolt Enterprises Oakville NSW
Further vehicle modifications include...
– Custom alloy tray and Battery Box.
This purpose built tray is not only
light but is very functional. Shane and Ben did an incredible job in design and
fitting. Supplied by Bathurst Body Works / Simmons Accessories.
– Old Man Emu Constant 400 suspension kit.
This fully integrated suspension
kit not only enhances off road performance and give us extra paddock
clearance but is tailor made for the extra load from the Lithium-Ion battery
pack. Supplied by ARB 4x4 accessories. www.arb.com.au
– Safari snorkel. This might seeem odd on a zero emission vehicle but in
order to protect the electric motor from unwanted dust and grass seeds etc.
the snorkel will provide a clean air intake into the air cooling system of the
motor. Supplied by ARB 4x4 accessories. www.arb.com.au
– TowMaster Tow Bar.
This heavy duty towbar is required for general towing
as well as pulling the Agrowplow AD Hybrid Discdrill. Supplied by ARB 4x4
accessories. www.arb.com.au
– Goodyear Wrangler MTR tyres. These tyres have excellent off road
capabilities and provide the sort of traction needed to pull the Agrowplow AD
Hybrid Discdrill. They are surprisingly quiet on the bitumen also which is
pleasant in an electric vehicle with no engine noise. Supplied by Beaurepaires. www.beaurepaires.com.au
– Speedy Wheels.
Victory Gloss Black wheels.
These alloy wheels are
high load rated with a lifetime structural warranty. Supplied by Beaurepaires. www.beaurepaires.com.au
|
