...One Of Them Anyway !

Ron Penfold

Electric Subaru Sherpa

My Electric Subaru Sherpa is now 4 years old and has travelled over 33,000kms since conversation.

Why did I build an electric Subaru Sherpa?

The Subaru Sherpa answer is easy, I was on the lookout for a suitable body for my EV (electric vehicle) conversion, when I happened to be wandering around Sunspares and saw this red Sherpa there. I asked why it was there, 'the oil pump had failed and the motor had seized' I was told. The body was basically in good condition, a perfect base for my EV conversion and of course I am a Subaru fan from way back. We agreed on a price and the Sherpa was delivered to my home at Stafford.

The electric answer is a bit more complication. Being an electrician I am interested in electricity and how it is generated. Being a 4WDdver and requiring battery charging for camping usage, I became interested in wind generated electricity and following on from this solar generated electricity. At one stage I had my home powered by solar electricity. From there the next step was a solar powered vehicle. I tried to build a vehicle to compete in the First World Solar Challenge, but due to the enormous cost and logistics involved I could not succeed as a privateer. The next step was to build a small electrically powered vehicle, thus my Electric Subaru Sherpa project was bom.

My Sherpa is registered in Qld and has been approved by the Department of Transport. Electric vehicles are best suited as second cars and ideally used for local commuting (ie to work, for shopping etc).

Recharging on night rate off peak only costs up to $1.00 per charge.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Class winner 1992 Sydney Electrothon

EDAQ 1992 Achievement Award

Featured in the December 1992 issue of 'The Road Ahead'.

Class winner 1993 Energy Challenge

Featured on 'The World Around us' June 1994.

Featured on 'Totally Wild' September 1994.

SPECIFICATIONS

BODY 1983 Subaru Sherpa

MOTOR 72 volt 10 kilowatt, DC series (Starter Motor from an F-86 Sabre Jet Fighter).

MAIN BATTERIES 12 x 6 volt 200 amp hour deep cycle traction.

MAIN CHARGER Woods on board, 72 volt, 20 amp

AUX BATTERY 12 volt 80 amp hour deep cycle.

AUX CHARGER 30 watt solar panel on bonnet

CONTROLLER Curtis 72 volt 500amp.

CHARGING TIME Up to 8 hours.

RANGE Up to 80kms

TOP SPEED Over 100 kph.

TRANSMISSION 4 speed forward and reverse, no clutch.

WEIGHT 880kgs plus passengers and luggage

BRAKES Disc/drum, 12 volt vacuum pump.