I Fixed The Abandoned 2 Million Dollar Concept Car For $150! First Drive Ended In Disaster!

[@LegitStreetCars]

Save 15% on your Carly purchase with code "Legit23" (auto-applied) until the end of July 2023! bit.ly/Legit_Carly Carly's scanner and free version of the app with standard OBD features are compatible with cars that have an OBD2 port. To see if Carly's advanced features like coding, the used car check, or Smart Mechanic will work with your car, be sure to check out their website. As mentioned, to access these additional features, you'll need to get their yearly license.

[@cmdrcrimbo]

The EV motor is connected wrong dude when you are in drive the EV motor is going backwards so the engine is allways fighting against it trying to go forwards that is why the ev motor bracket keeps breaking. If the engine is going forwards and the ev motor is trying to go backwards that is one of your problems.

[@bradmorri]

the engine moves the vehicle forward in drive. the EV moves forward in Reverse. I might want to check the polarity of the power connections to the electric motor. The van is trying to tear itself apart right now.

[@rangelminaya]

I purchased the Carly because of your videos and it was the worst money I have ever spent. It worked the first 2 times and after that it reads the codes and when I clear it the check engine remains on. What a horrible product. Extremely disappointed that you even mentioned it on your videos but I understand that they are paying you for the promotion.

[@stash0342]

@@rangelminaya how u get it so fast

[@rangelminaya]

@@stash0342 this is not the first video that he posts mentioning this device. I have had it for a few months.

[@tavarish]

man, this is a cool project!

[@monnkr]

says the guy with a flooded p1 in his shop

[@TheObiwantoby]

I hope it becomes fully operational.

[@markg.2501]

Freddie, shouldn't you be working on something?

[@SilentRacer911]

Yes, it is, but he needs to stop playing with the gear lever like that, it’s brain isn’t that fast, it’s from 08/09

[@geocatwizard]

Worry about your flooded P1 first, you can watch other projects later, but right now that thing needs as much attention as possible if you're gonna finish it before the next millennium

[@LegitStreetCars]

I can't believe I'm almost at 1 million subscribers. Thank you so much for watching the videos and subscribing! Having my own car show has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid and I can't wait to bring you guys even more adventures for many years to come. Alex

[@aaronbritt2025]

You should consider doing a subscriber car show tour. Make it a charity event and I'm sure you'd be a hit everywhere.

[@MaxBeecher]

@@aaronbritt2025 the fill the van with cans event is a car show that's donating to a food pantry!

[@LegitStreetCars]

​@@aaronbritt2025 June 24th at Cannonball Garage in Gilberts Illinois I'm doing just that. Come on out!

[@lupulflamand5673]

Almost there!

[@ocularpressure4558]

Love LSC & LOVE THIS EPISODE, I like how broad-spectrum this channel is you literally hit every vehicle and show the ins and outs of the problems to the pluses of owning the vehicle it’s awesome

[@jamesclaytonbowman5977]

as someone who worked on the production crew for Garage Squad, I gotta say: you are making a great show on a shoestring budget!

[@LostMyName15]

EV mode in R and gas mode in D should give you a pretty big clue. Most AC motors can be reversed in software. Since it spent ages with basically no power, it's VERY likely that the controller lost it's settings. You definitely should chat with "Shawn" to see if there is such a setting in the controller. If the electric motor tries to "help" the fuel engine, it will fight it and can shake it to hell and back as you saw if the clutch engages.

[@jamieman73]

Thank you, you saved me from typing my thoughts.

[@ekaftan]

Exactly what I was thinking....

[@craigking5361]

I’m surprised he hasn’t worked it out, super simple as soon as it was full ev and went forward in R. Because the gas motor and the electric motor are spinning in different directions

[@Bebeezy]

Same thing i was thinking. And thts why the bracket keeps breaking

[@DdDd-ss3ms]

My thought too. seems the vibrating is because the gas engine and electric engine works opposite. Like with electric bikes, they also needs to be set into the right direction.

[@tyty2209]

Amazing seeing this. Worked at Bright as my first job out of college. Didn’t know anything about engineering, had no real value to offer, and volunteered to work for free before they hired me to work in the office. I drove this thing down a narrow hallway in the Hyatt in downtown Cincinnati to get it into the atrium for a trade show back in 2010. Sweaty palms to say the least. Makes me really happy to see it again!

[@ItsH2Os]

you must know John Waters then!

[@TireSlayer55]

that’s rad. it’s a small world sometimes!

[@LyuboRyuk]

Great job

[@helloRockwood]

@@ItsH2Os The porn guy?

[@1mowahhed1]

Maybe you can connect with him and give him tips

[@DallasHerrmann]

As a professional mechanic, the cable management in that thing is terrifying.

[@SirFloofy001]

As someone who works on his own cars, i feel better about mine.

[@joebartlett1505]

That's why it's a prototype

[@SirFloofy001]

@@joebartlett1505 its just my autistic brain working but i dont get it. Wouldn't you want it to be all nice and bundled since it is essentially a one of a kind show car? Like if you were an investor would you rather invest in a prototype vehicle that looks like a rats nest under the covers? Or would you rather invest in the team that actually took the time to build it properly? Probably why im not an investor, totally not lack of funds.

[@ZombieSS77]

The motor shaking + running forward when in reverse could indicate that there is a motor phase / resolver / encoder wiring setup issue. If the motor is 3 phase (most are), swapping any two phase wires will cause it to run in the opposite direction. The question is what signals is the motor drive looking for. If you haven't already, find out what drive system it's using.

[@banditrw27]

Exactly, leads are swapped 👍

[@Zensaitv]

I feel they are swapped or they set up the motor and the EV motor on opposite rotations....

[@murraymadness4674]

Yep, the motor controller is not in proper phase, which might just be sensor wires broken.

[@maka5955]

If the motor controller has to learn the motor every time it is disconnected from the battery. Trying rear wheels in the air?

[@UKfromadrone]

i had the same idea, i ran into the same problem on my ebike conversion when i screwed up. power leads/ phases are swapped, or hell even the hall sensors are wired the wrong way nvm just got that far in the video, im sure power leads are reversed, and when the car goes faster it tries to run on hybrid mode and the 2 motors are working against each other... reverse/drive being swapped is a sure sign edit:also im 100% sure that theres a door handle or at least a wire/reach behind the rear door panel on the bigger door. just the panel needs taking off

[@T_bone]

This would be a great full tear down collaboration with Rich Rebuilds. Make it everything it was supposed to be with what is known about hybrid vehicles now. Clean up the spaghetti of wires etc.

[@czarwright]

Just what i was thinking, Rich and the van's old team, sort of phoenix project. ;)

[@corydixon65]

I had the same thought but maybe Alex and Rich could hot-rod the van with an upgraded motor / controller / battery / software

[@T_bone]

@@corydixon65 Anything would be better. If 65 people worked on this, and this is the best they could do!?!?I would hope it was only become of the lack of technical knowledge and this being largely experimental.

[@colestowing8695]

I kinda thought that's what was going to happen when he called rich...I definitely second this idea. Rich has a wealth of skills in this area

[@T_bone]

@@czarwright My thoughts in the comment below.

[@3ffrige]

This project is so awesome! I love how you show everything throughout this project. The good, the bad, and the worst. No matter what goes on with the Space Van, make sure you enjoy the adventure…all of it. The good, bad, and the worst!

[@andycanfixit]

Screen tip, as old as that screen is there is a good chance the screen is fluorescent backlit and the backlight is dead, or if it is an LED backlight it might be dead too. A good way to tell is hold a really bright small flashlight close to the screen with the vehicle powered on and see if you can see anything on the screen. It'll be very faint, but if you can it means the screen is getting data and working, but simply has a dead backlight. If that's the case the easiest approach is to carefully open it and see if you can get a model number, if it was a standard off the shelf screen you might be able to find another to swap it with. If it was a fluorescent screen and simply has dead bulbs, you might be able to find replacement backlight bulbs to swap them out. LED backlit will be harder to find parts for. But given the age I wouldn't be surprised if it was fluorescent backlights and they are simply dead at this point. Good luck!

[@vom4164]

You just helped me solve a problem on one of my Toyota celsiors! Ur amazing dude thank u so much 😊

[@muppetpaster]

I bet there is NO screen....At least not a real screen...

[@andycanfixit]

@@muppetpaster The engineer he talked to over the phone said it was real and had a lot of data on the ev system, so I'd put money on it being real, just defective, really not uncommon for old screens from that time especially if it wasn't rated for being in the heat of a car.

[@jannejohansson3383]

@@andycanfixit i think some vires busted and even some parts could removed. Behind that fake hatbox could have ansvers, if he finds way to open it. There could be almost anything. Starting to make some wirings to paper, it would be good start for diagnostics. Theres lot of work and some parts need to fix or change for sure. I hope if there's some custom controller, he could save program from it and code. Then it's yeasier to rebuild things. And he need's just one or two right guys to help him, who originally worked with this. But it's possibility that those guys are ready to shoot own head, than work or remember this project again. In first video with car someone said "they try to get REALLY HARD to make it work.." That tells a lot. Every input to controller should diagnostic and diggin the reason why it wants do that like grazy. So many reason could cause it..

[@MadKingRALM]

🤔 This is a very plausible theory. Would be interesting to try and see if it would be possible to replace the screen with a more modern touchscreen, depending on if it is an AIO assembly, or just a screen connected to a separate assembly.

[@VDPEFi]

Let's have a massive shout for people who can look at a bracket like that and say yep, I can repair that. Huge respect to such hugely skilled people.

[@agoodballet]

That guy probably looked at that bracket ant thought “not only can I fix it but I can build a complete new one”. It’s pretty easy to do stuff when you have the tools.

[@Globbs]

thats like the most simple thing ever and I'm not even a welder. Alex digging into the wiring was way more scary and difficult.

[@ItsDdvdd]

He didn't reinforce it though lmao. When metal's that thin the heat affected zone becomes a key failure point. Seeing as it already failed, it was doomed to fail again. Great execution, bad planning. Or good planning because he just set himself up for more work/exposure

[@billyrubina]

@@ItsDdvdd yep. The engineer or engineers on this project should be ashamed.

[@agoodballet]

@@ItsDdvdd shhh he just asked him to fix it lol. Now he’ll ask him to make it better. My motto is “you break you build” meaning if it breaks it needs to be built biggger better stronger smarter!

[@ndg49]

I don't know of anyone else, Alex, who can take on such projects and do some amazing things. This one is definitely a huge challenge and I wish you all the good luck to make it work as it should. You could donate it to a car museum once finished and use it as a charitable donation. 🙂

[@jacobcallahan4813]

Hearing that the CEO and others teared up when they heard its still around really warmed my heart, had a similar reaction when i finally was able to buy 71 Buick Riviera. Was similar to my dad's 72 but he had to sell it when i was little and then passed away when i was in highschool, currently fixing/repairing/ replacing 50+ year old parts to make her road worthy

[@jacksong6226]

I love the boatail rivieras you got yourself a nice car!

[@LCol718]

Nothing like having your morning coffee, your kids getting along and a LSC upload on deck. Thank you sir. Btw, God bless you and your family.

[@FrankDBoyce]

Man, I will 2nd this one!!!

[@omdcarsandairplanes]

3rd! Playing in the car while taking the kids to school.

[@DillandShaj]

The three wires in the charge port could be the communication wires that EV chargers usually use. They're usually the PP, PE and CP lines. Knowing that this was a early charge inlet prototype and charger being wired up the way it is, it probably doesn't matter for this build but if you ever get into a newer EV project you will need those.

[@LogicalNiko]

You’ll probably need to disassemble the storage cabinet so you can really get to the controller and inspect things. I suspect the charge controller will take anything from 110-240v.

[@Berkeloid0]

Yes the control lines tell the wall charger that an EV is connected and it's safe to supply mains power, and it also tells the EV's onboard charger how much current it is allowed to draw to avoid popping any breakers. For an old charger like this that wouldn't draw more than a standard outlet the signal lines don't really serve much of a purpose, but of course they're still needed to activate a standard charger. There are open source projects that hobbyists use to generate the necessary signals to get an EV wall charger to switch on, so that would be all you'd need here since you're only dealing with standard wall outlet amperages.

[@DillandShaj]

@@Berkeloid0 Yup exactly! I didn't know that there were open source projects for this. That's pretty cool! You can also use the communication lines as a method to not allow movement of the vehicle if it is plugged into the charger!

[@minmogrovingstrongandhealthy]

Something tells me that lots of things are missing from this car and not simply left out on purpose. Keep in mind this suppose to be given to kids / young adults in certain school to further work on and learn from. I can bet they got crates worth of parts and documentations, more models etc then what is left of this. It's missing lots of electronic parts, missing cables, cables being a mess, that motor bracket snapped like it hit something at a odd angle it's even missing material, it was in somewhat messy state suggesting this was a last minute order to get it the hell out of where ever it was because it took up the space and didn't offer too much educational value instead asked for too much work to finish something that wasn't much road worthy anyway. Also the reason why the more detailed clay models are missing, these are unfinished throwaway project clay builds that were inside, not showcase grade ones. A clear case of a tossout. Parts could be who knows where, either in someone's possession or tossed out into trash. Basically every documentation files also missing from the cabinets. The school or someone kept those too and who knows where are those today. There is no way that this vehicle left the factory like this.

[@jorgeantonini201]

Definitely need to make some kind of emergency pull for the rear door Take off the panel and run a cable to the latch so if you or anybody else ever gets trapped in just pull the latch and you’re out Like the emergency pulls in any other trunk

[@peterquest6406]

Nooo,it's more fun watching him get locked in there,let's see how many times he can do this before nobody helps 😂😂

[@GrayRaceCat]

@@kruleworld This is only the second video of his I've ever watched and it's clear that he is his own worst enemy!

[@danlargent3806]

Dude thank God something didn't start going wrong with the electrical system creating smoke or fire while you were trapped in the van. Awesome job and video

[@Beer_Dad1975]

IKR! This thing is sketchy as hell - how to fail to win a $450 million government contract - build a car out of plywood and wire it up like a birds nest, somehow spending $2,000,000 on something that looks like someone's home EV conversion project - someone pretty inexperienced at electrical engineering at that. I can imagine when the senators or whoever had the demo of this thing, they must have been "Yeah, nah"

[@jasonw3303]

What a way to go!

[@darrellmallorca6032]

I have a better understanding of the challenges of making a car from scratch. Mad props for making mystery technology work even temporarily. What an amazing under taking

[@argentas]

It was mentioned in the first video that the van worked in FWD mode using the engine, RWD mode using the electric motor, or both at the same time, and I suspect this happens depending on a combination of state of charge and power required to move the vehicle. Given the motor is currently running in the wrong direction, I suspect the shaking happens when the engine tries to start and the motor is already turning (or vice versa). Swap any two of the three phase cables to the motor to correct its direction, and at least then the motor and the engine wont be trying to fight each other.

[@wailfaridi2070]

This. It makes so much sense

[@baselhs]

Yes! The marketing lady mentioned that the van was donated to a technical college. It could be that they plugged the wrong cables to the motor.

[@SXV550]

Bump so Alex reads this comment!

[@beforebefore]

THIS! The large EV motor uses 3 phase power, and like any such motor you can reverse any 2 of them to reverse its rotation direction. Do this before trying to drive it again... AND get all of those electric motor mounts repaired and strengthened! (not just one side)

[@shanebeasley8191]

this is what i was coming into the comments to write, glad to see someone else already beat me to it

[@invicta6110]

I think my first priority would be to get a safety release for that back door! Getting to watch you try to get something this unique back on the road has been fun, keep 'em coming!

[@DaSuDanesi]

For sure. Two videos on this van and he's locked himself inside on both XD

[@sana-cm7oc]

Locked inside a small room with a 12 year old lithium battery.

[@Stuloud]

You Rock man! I am in awe of your skills. I am a gear head and a Electronics Tech. I can so relate to what you are doing here with the Space Van!

[@davidt3563]

I've never been more excited and scared in a LSC video as this one. From getting locked in to expecting it to explode when plugged in to seeing a tender moment with the fam. What a wild ride lol.

[@robertham3746]

My concern is how Reverse goes forward in EV, but backwards in normal engine- so the violent shake could be conflicting direction when it goes back to the engine when EV voltage drops too much

[@gavanbrennan3637]

Congratulations on making progress, I have a maybach modded w203 benz, loads of features and extra wires everywhere. Has been a challenge. Unfortunately with these concept cars the best way to handle them is one wire at a time. Trace, track and tag and create your own diagrams for reference. Once you have an understanding of all the systems you might think of ways to streamline and improve them.

[@RandomReine]

It would be really interesting to have Shawn (Sean? Idk..) invited for the next adventure with this one, and I think he could be good assistance, hands on with it, since he knows a lot about it and knows how it's built. I think it would add much to the next video. 😊

[@LegitStreetCars]

I'd love to have him. Hopefully one day but he's a busy man.

[@CsabaTothMr]

Here is my thought about the shaking: as you demonstrated the EV-mode thinks that R is drive and D is reverse. Whereas the ICE mode / side thinks D is drive and R is reverse. My hunch is when it's shaking then the electric motor unnecessarily try to strain itself backwards and some unintended clutch mechanism prevents it (since breaks are always stronger than the engines). If you may switch the EV to also act like D is drive and R is reverse maybe the shaking will be solved?

[@Adr_Jim]

You are right on that BUT... Like said before me the van also do it in Park. I think it's a controller issue.

[@jannejohansson3383]

That could be tested just changing two of three motor wires cross. Then it spins different direction. Controller have maybe died capasitors, or what ever. It should removed and could it be opened? Or do they 'clue' those with epox in one big brick?

[@WorkinWithWiley]

Everytime that motor started shaking I could feel it in my chest!! What a cool project! Project I am working on is a 2014 Chevy 3500.. kinda.. the cab has been cut down to firewall and dash + the floor board. Sitting a 1963 cab over the 2014 dash and floor with all the 14 running gear... I have a short on my cannel come check it out.. Workin' With Wiley. Can't wait to see more! Have a blessed week!

[@LegitStreetCars]

Come hang out and support a good cause at the "Fill the Van with Cans" event at Cannonball Garage in Gilberts Illinois on June 24th, 2023! I may have the space van there but I'll definitely have my supercharged 15-passenger Chevy Van so we can fill it up with food to donate. Can't wait to hang out with you guys and let me know what kind of car you're bringing!

[@Bozobi]

I'd recommend to drop the electric motor assembly and battery along with the wiring, just to start over from the basics. It's mostly impossible to really resolve an issue with something so custom like a concept car. Sure you got engineers who built it, but with it being a decade later- I'm sure some memories are obscured. I love this series of the space van.

[@scott8919]

I'm surprised the engine isn't charging the batteries. You'd think as a plug-in hybrid it would run when needed to keep the battery level above a certain threshold. Absolutely loving this series on the van. Keep buying concept cars and working on them and I'll keep watching.

[@dooflydetailguuy4349]

Too much load maybe

[@craigtorrcoleman3907]

Just a thought. From your previous video it looks like the gear selection under the hood is done with a electric linear actuator which you disconnected. Is there any chance of the following. 1. you didn't set it up exactly where it came off? so basically when your in D or R its not quite selecting properly. 2. Those actuators are slow to move which is probably why when your selecting a gear nothing happens for a while. I'd be inclined to get it on a ramp, get the wheel's off the ground and check the movement. I'd also assume that there is some sort of ECU controlling the linear actuator for when to put it into gear as in full EV mode you would only want the ICE gearbox in neutral, the petrol engine would also have an inhibitor to start when in gear. Hope these ideas help.

[@aaron71]

CLICKED SO FAST!!!

[@22debeste]

How?

[@Boga217]

Too slow

[@rickybobby5950]

You must get the Typhoon! I always wanted one since I got SMOKED by one in my ‘93 5.0 LX back in the day. Definite 90’s wish list car and a very uncommon paint spec!

[@Landongames14]

Loving this series, you have the best variety on your channel, and Max is killing it with the editing!!!!!!

[@aj383]

You can really see the Honda insight style influence. This is probably one of the more interesting hybrid repairs I've seen yet! Thank you for trying to keep this prototype going! EDIT: to answer the question in the video about what we're working on, I'm currently waiting on parts for the front suspension on a 1995 Honda Accord.

[@TheBoringCreatr]

Not bad. im really down to see this thing driving without issues. Shortening and cable managing cables to make it look cleaner is also a good idea when its fully done! Keep it up dude

[@vnmhades0131]

THE BLOOPERS AT THE END ARE AN EXCELLENT IDEA ALEX BECAUSE IT SHOWS THAT THIS ISNT GONNA BE JUST EASY LIKE PEEING IN THE WIND, BUT THERE IS FAULTS AND STRUGGLES. True mechanic. not afraid to show the funny parts and parts where it seemed like it was a one and done but in reality it wasnt

[@BTW...]

Does a 'true mechanic' install a spring washer/flat washer incorrectly? NO... only an idiot that locks himself inside the rear of this crapbox twice couldn't even call themself any kinda mechanic.

[@reanimationxp]

peeing into the wind is pretty much all he showcased here

[@FiatUno2003]

​@@BTW...bro everyone makes mistakes. nobody is perfect. I'm 100% sure you made some mistakes on your life too. there's no need to put someone down because of a mistake

[@Sammyadams432]

I would like to comment about the indicator being backwards when in EV mode. If it has to be in reverse to go forward and drive to go backwards you should be able to reverse the polarity of the wires of the electric motor. If it’s brushless then swapping 2 out of the 3 wires will change the polarity too. Definitely some sensor issues with the inverter feeding the motor to cause it to shake like that.

[@Coffee_Scroll]

That's my thought, the motor wires are reversed. Engine drives forwards and electric motor tries to go backwards.

[@libertythompson7773]

Great content, the fact that he has other nice and “reliable” cars but is taking on projects like this is cool

[@tjus3131]

I’ve had a lot of favorites on this channel but this one is “different”! Love you Alex!

[@LegitStreetCars]

Thanks Tj!!

[@werewolfpig114]

How this thing didnt burn into the ground the second someone botched it together is beyond my comprehension... you are one brave man trying to get this 4 wheel elctric chair back to life.

[@damionfritz5881]

I'm working on my 2008 qx56 ..changing the front wheel bearings, calipers, pads and roters.

[@CH-qt4hr]

I love how legit (no pun intended) excited you are about getting this to work. The joy is so honest it's fun to watch

[@Shiftheads]

Hey great job being out of the comfort zone and working on this. Another great resource that I'm sure would help you is the professor at Weber automotive on youtube. He'd at least be able to give a lot of safety pointers as they have torn apart a lot of EVs and battery modules. If you end up replacing the battery, get a used chevy volt pack as there are a lot of options that are cheap for a BMS to manage the batteries and not have to worry about fires etc. They have enough voltage and discharge rate to run Tesla performance drive units too.

[@TheWheelLifeChad]

I love this. I stumbled upon episode 1 of this build and thought to myself… “this guy looks familiar…” 🤔 Turns out I watched some of your videos back in the day on your E55 AMG since I was thinking about buying one (my Dad owned one at the time). I didn’t end up buying one but, I loved the information regardless. You got a new sub. I look forward to seeing future videos of yours! 🤙🏼

[@LegitStreetCars]

Thanks brother!

[@charliel2967]

AP, 23K to go. C'mon people, this channel deserves 1 million subs. I feel like I've been here watching history. Proud of you Alex, keep them coming, your the best. Love my Saturday content. It's such an immature honor to be your first viewer today!!!

[@LegitStreetCars]

Thanks so much Charlie. Appreciate the support!

[@redrubi3942]

Just love your excitement you have for everything you fix. So cool.

[@MAKABALLA]

“Daddy’s alive!” Super heart warming❤

[@agoodballet]

Check that you’re plugged into a higher (20) Amp outlet in your shop. Also if it’s a lithium battery like in my RC cars and it has multiple cells it might need to be charged and balanced. Hopefully actually having a good charge makes it work. Edit: as soon as I was done making this comment he said he talked to someone about balancing it so I’m glad he knows!

[@Puppy__Nietzsche]

How would he not know that going into an EV project? He's just playing it up for the camera

[@phrg8332]

I think the problem is that the motor controller has reset, which is why it's going forward in reverse and banging around when it tries to kick in in drive

[@GrayRaceCat]

Leaving a Lithium battery plugged in for a week is not 'balancing' the cells, it is asking for trouble. If this has a BMS and if it's working properly, then there are one or more bad cells. If it does not have a BMS, then cell damage due to over-charging or under-charging of individual cells is a distinct possibility.

[@almostanengineer]

@@GrayRaceCat given that the engineer who worked on this said to leave it plugged in, would suggest it has a BMS

[@FAB1150]

​​@@GrayRaceCatacks with multiple cells in series (anything higher than 4.2/4.3V basically) must have a BMS or it's just gonna overcharge the cells the moment they start getting unbalanced, and eventually burst into flames. That said, most BMSs only balance when the cells are full. Given the pack energy capacity in an electric car, it's reasonable to leave it plugged in for a few days to let it balance as it's a slow process. The cells won't like it, batteries don't like being at 100% for days, but it's necessary. It's also reasonable to think that the cells got unbalanced after years of storage, as the BMS doesn't balance when the battery isn't charged. If it did, it would just keep discharging cells to balance them and eventually kill the pack. The way it balances isn't by over-charging some cells until they're all the same, it's by charging normally until series bank gets to 100%, and discharging it while it charges the other ones, until all of them are at 100%. No cell gets overcharged by doing this, but it's fairly slow.

[@d.vanwees6474]

Very cool to see this project succeed, only you can do this your way! Keep it up with Max and your wife and kids to set you free 😉 A big fan from the Netherlands! 🇱🇺

[@GraceTorqueGarage]

Just binged both vids, love it

[@jacobcashen1301]

I can only imagine how much of a hassle it was to get this going! I can see how good it felt for you, Alex! As a side note, the camera work going back and forth from different perspectives while pulling the van out was very well done. Thank you, Max!

[@TonyElam]

That’s awesome to see you got to run it for a bit. Although you gotta go with the engineers advice about the batteries, I still wonder if the gas/electric motors are on the same page. It’s odd that Reverse is drive and vice versa. It seems like the sort of violent reaction throwing a car into reverse might have while driving forward.

[@SecretSauceyjuice]

That's actually pretty hazardous that you can get locked in there. Might want to resolve that and create and emergency exit latch before it happens to a kid or someone who doesn't know to keep the door propped.

[@josephhuwe9720]

Hey, Love the videos! Years ago, I converted an old Honda N600 to electric, about the same time frame as the space van was made. One thing I had was a PC, for reading and relaying motor controller data to a screen on the dashboard. While watching you go through the wiring, I thought I could see a portable PC with a DVI cable connected to it. My guess is those actual car engineers were able to have it activate via the ignition, but if not, you might have to try manually tuning on the PC. I wonder if that's what runs the screen on the space van, and maybe some more logic via software. If it is a PC, I would play around with it either in or out of the car and see what all you can find.

[@Sauerbrew777]

The outside of the SpaceVan actually looks really good! If the original drivetrain can't be fixed, I hope you do a swap of some kind. Something like the guts out of a wrecked Tesla or Volt!

[@Robsav-yx6vi]

Excellent idea buddy

[@djs_projects_repairs]

Man that's nuts can't wait to see more.

[@christopherkraft1327]

Hey Alex, fantastic video!!! I've been waiting for this!!! The concept van is so exciting. Your videos just keep getting better!!! I'm glad that you got rescued from being locked in the van!!! 👍👍🙂

[@marvinbeaverdip]

Is it possible the gas engine kicks in reverse while the EV is going in drive, and then breaks the bracket?

[@jakebednarz3026]

That’s exactly what I was going to comment. Seems like the electric motor is possibly wired backwards?

[@jonfreeman7486]

Currently working on my inherited ( from my father) who passed in Feb. 02 silverado.5.3 2wd extended cab. I am working on it while also using it daily for my new business. Going to lift slightly, repaint new wheels and tires, shocks. It's a lot but I love it.

[@SAMarcus]

As to your question about if other concept builds are janky, the answer is yes. I saw the inside of a concept aircraft and yeah, there were a LOT of questionable wiring choices and weirdly routed objects. I've also seen concept builds for specialized computer systems and the same thing, just very bad wiring, odd materials, and the whole look and feel of "whatever was lying around in the shop." When it comes to concept designs, building the prototype is often one of the screwiest things you'll ever experience. "Fred, we need another connection from this spot to that spot! What do we have?" "Uh, well, there's this chunk of leftover PVC we can connect with these random plumbing bits." "Make it so!" On a side note, with the length of the extension cord, you really should have pushed that thing outside before attempting to charge it, lol.

[@darrenstuch]

With the engine going forward in drive and the motor going forward in reverse could cause you an issue when they both try running together . Check the motor wiring or orientation of mounting .

[@jazndex]

Billy is that MAN ! good job brother !

[@Zensaitv]

Id say for the back doors take off the panels so you can get out with the lock mechanism lol but what a cool video glad your having fun.

[@IBRGaming]

Love the new journey you have taken on. Hope it goes well ! ❤❤

[@rbmwiv]

Use a 3 prong 110 round twist lock plug on the van and put a matching socket on the end of your drop cord. It would look clean, I think you can get ones that would be perfect from a RV supplier, you can find all kinds of neat stuff from a RV place.

[@ItsJust2SXTs]

Since the battery wasn't charging for that long, the chemistry inside was just "inert" now that you charged it the chemistry goes back to life. I see that with old laptop batteries, some not charged for 5+years that doesnt take the first charge very well on a specialized li-ion charger not the laptop, instead of going to 4.1V they are stuck a 3.4-3.8V /cells because Lion battery are charged in constant current until the charging voltage is reached. So when the voltage doesnt go up stay still for 10+minutes I stop charging let them cool down, some get warm but not hot, some stay cold as stone. Than after a day I charge them backup an now they goes up in voltage and store more energy. I could take several charge to fully reactivate the chemistry.I think what happend is the same for the first charge, then you plug it for 15min like you said, voltage goes up. They may have programmed a threshold to enable the EV part like 31XV, so the battery voltage rise because it was charging, goes above that min starting threshold, you unplug it, you drove it but now you reached the min running threshold that could be below the min starting threshold. try to charge it again a few time stay near it in case of fire, the more energy in the battery the more energy in the fire as cell can runaway.

[@andrewturner67]

It is ridiculous how vested I am with the space van. I'm literally talking to myself along with you trying to think of fixes lol. If I was not in Texas and much closer I would have to come help. This thing is just so intriguing and frustrating all at the same time. It is OK to do a 3 hour video next lol😂 Absolutely love your channel.

[@bobmybob9493]

I agree

[@LunaWuna]

I have a feeling the motor comfig or phase wires have been inverted and as soon as the engine starts when the voltage lowers a bit, it fights it in the opposite direction.

[@TiptronicSS]

"Allright Bosch, calm down! We gotta buy your parts anyway" 😂😂😂 So true 😅

[@pierre-davidmoreau]

You give me the passion back for cars i will do mechanic school part time just to learn and do mechanic for passion thanks for the content !!

[@LegitStreetCars]

Thanks for watching!

[@pierre-davidmoreau]

@@LegitStreetCars I would love to see you work on a x5 35d 2011 generation this truck is such a beast the transmission can hold up 1000 pounds of torque stock insane!!! With only few modifications you can rise up the torque to 700 pounds !

[@plaguearttutorials]

If it doesn't work it's a great shell for a Tesla battery racing setup

[@vonderdornburg]

It would be cool if you invited an EV guy to do an episode with you. But love your problem solving skills. 😊

[@danielseelye6005]

Robert Gunn of Aging Wheels comes to mind

[@pablogarin]

Dude, 38 years old here, and I'm just going to tell you, engineer to engineer, that getting locked in the space van is part of the life! It is nothing to be ashamed of, it's a badge of honor. Haven't got stuck in a van, but I've been in similar situations XD Also, it's possible the clutch for the EV motor was stuck, and getting it to speed might've loosen the clutch.

[@333GCM]

I would love to duplicate that look on another van! Loving the partially covered rear wheels.

[@nicolasravegnani4889]

I'd double the thickness of that broken engine bracket and check what it mount onto to see if that is also broken or even secured to frame, otherwise you're just going to have a repeat of being in a rattle.

[@LegitStreetCars]

What do you think I should do with the van once I get it driving properly?

[@NSPlayer]

Upgrade, finish and modify it.

[@saud..-]

Drive it cross country

[@MaxBeecher]

100% donate it to a school

[@shreeshanthyerragunta3322]

modify it.

[@jakes197]

make it the new daily

[@thechristian1975]

This is your best project so far. Keep up the great work

[@aaronbritt2025]

I think for some reason, the electric motor clutch isn't disconnecting. When you start the van, the motor is probably supposed to run for a few seconds as a "self test". Normally, if the clutch is disconnected that's not a problem, but with the clutch connected, you get that banging. Could also be the clutch engaging and disengaging due to low voltage. Also, with D and R being reversed, just swap the power wires at the motor to correct this.

[@joey_f4ke238]

I doubt they had the power wires reversed since it was a driving prototype, most likely there is some sensor or wire damaged that freaks out the controller

[@prancerthecatto]

@@Nighterlev It's the power wires

[@P_RO_]

@@Nighterlev Yep- you win the internet today 😁

[@2LegitTooQuit]

Another great drop Alex!!! Your happy demeanor, personality,excitement,etc is absolutely contagious and I freaking love it. I would have been the same way had I got some good progress on my concept van 😂💪👍🤞

[@robertthabassist]

Especially the way he throws away people like garbage! Its awesome!

[@Crxpert1]

I absolutely Love the Space Van Videos!!

[@leonguyot4991]

This has to be the best episode You've ever made, I felt your pain, along with you. I'm working on my 1967 Triumph Vitesse Mk.2 Convertible, I actually built it from 11 scrapped cars and lots of boxes of bits, between 1984-1997, it won lots of trophies and featured in lots of magazines, I brought it with me from the UK in 2002, when I emigrated to Oregon, and I have been continuously improving it since 2002, mechanically with better/lighter/stronger parts, but the body and interior only has newer original parts as I want it to look as original as possible.

[@michaelroberts6450]

it just seems like it has a long delay between gear change on the selector, you might have to be more patient with it and just "wait for it" as the saying goes. this is a super interesting project. I have done some prototype auto components in my career, but current confidentiality clauses I can't talk about them, but a baptism of fire and trial and error come with the territory . Your willingness to take on this challenge especially without schematics is impressive . Great video, keep pressing forward nothing worth having comes easy, the learning experience alone is worth the 1500 bucks and you'll get thru it. Laser focus and great attitude will get you there.

[@chaos.corner]

Yes, the gas engine is the secondary, not the primary and likely has "lazy" engagement.

[@bluestacks4043]

The current coming from the batteries to low meaning very out of balance or cell group is shot. Has the voltage but because the current dipping to low it causes the motor to start and stop rapidly, that is that shaking.

[@BigfootGoforth]

It looks like a three-phase connection, you should be able to switch any two wires and have it go the correct direction. Theoretically speaking. The issue you're having seems to be that the motor is trying to turn one direction which is why reverse is forward and forward and is reverse and when it comes time for the engine to kick on, which means the clutch is trying to engage two things going opposite directions

[@xort3d]

This was my exact thought as well

[@ericklein5097]

Like someone pulled the EV motor out and when they put it back together they swapped the phase wires? I see other people talking about the controller losing its settings but I’m putting my money on someone fucking with this thing.

[@BigfootGoforth]

Yes. Common in drone building

[@Weidjeep]

Heads Up, Peter has started his own mechanic YT channel.

[@randomdude4669]

But apparently someone keeps striking his videos

[@eecc17]

What's the name of the channel

[@Orbacron]

You should definitely consider a different speed controller, and a manual gas engine/EV speed control main switch on the dash

[@mikeklinger1712]

This van looks like fun! I do think they took some ideas from this for the Pacifica or vise versa! The outside design has some similarities!

[@LujinCustom]

SOC or State Of Charge is more complicated than just voltage. For instance, you could reach max voltage and still only have a 10% SOC. Personally, I like to think of SOC as the percentage of saturation of the charge. That’s just my rudimentary understanding of how it works. Another way to think about it is, you have plenty of voltage in the battery but not enough amperage in the cells

[@walkermediaworx]

Working on a 1978 Honda Hawk II This is a great project series! Every time that thing shakes it makes me jump / cringe anlong with you. I cant wait to see it go for real!

[@iansmith3975]

As a former government contractor, I can confidently assume that the “Bright Company” was more so a sketchy startup that was hoping to con their way into government grants and contracts. I will be in awe if this thing even gets 30mpg.

[@DallasHerrmann]

I'm vigorously unimpressed if thisis what came out of $2 million in development.

[@adamgrundy4327]

@@DallasHerrmann don't forget it has been abandoned for 12 years at least. although it having wooden parts is very strange.

[@Doing_it_right_the_first_time]

1:27 it wasn’t because of the build quality of the vehicle it was because despite what the government might say about trying to go green they are in bed with the oil companies! I also applied for a government grant for my ultra long range EV, which is called “ EEV - 3” or “The Watt“ and it will go 840 to 1280 miles on a single charge!! I was rejected just like they were. I am serious. I am not a scammer. You can come and look at the car you will not be disappointed. I built a whole new digital dash on my parents kitchen table. I hope I will hear from you that you would come to Connecticut to come and look at this car. We could go for a short drive around the block. Best regards; Edward Heath - owner/operator/Machinist/Fabricator at: “new ideas and innovations, LLC in Madison, CT USA

[@Texaca]

....have you produced any videos? Would love to see what you done. ✌🏼

[@Doing_it_right_the_first_time]

@@Texaca Hello all; no I did not produce any videos because I wasn’t looking to be sharing this with the world so I’ve kept it quite a secret. Hope you folks all understand that on the end because of the economic and financial potential of this project I mean I don’t even have blueprints of it. It’s all in my head so…

[@chrissturtevant5777]

Good luck with your full time KZbin career. I have some ideas for a DIY channel. Not really sure how the whole thing works. Maybe someday. Great stuff

[@justaddafan]

It wasn't the government's $450M. Guess who's it was?

[@gb8641]

Sell that trash heap back to the CEO

[@billroberts9044]

OK, As an electrical contractor, you've gotten me reved up to do an electric vehicle. So I just picked up a Free Used Barbie Jeep today and am going to spend 600 hours of one headache after another, retrofitting a high speed motor in it. It's good to know all I need to make it work is Use Plywood, with plenty of sketchy electrical connections, and an old iPhone glued to the dash. The similarities will be mind-boggling. 😂🤣 Your van is the perfect example of too many clay modeling guys, trying to fix an electro-mechanical vehicle and following behind them is your biggest problem. Basic troubleshooting skills is your #1 best approach, following having knowledgeable guys making sensible comments. What a great video. Good Luck

[@BowsettesFury]

Can’t wait to see more of this. 😊

[@captinfubuki9728]

yeah i have a chevy express van aswell mines a 1500 passenger but its engine randomly locked up sadly still have it just need to get my hands on a new engine for it because when ya have a car for a few years it becomes family

[@jookm]

Congrats on at least getting it running! Hopefully you can fab up a stronger bracket to hold it when it tries to shake like that. I'm working on getting my 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX running again and taking care of some extra things I haven't been able to. Your DSM is how I found your channel. Good luck man!