Leaf EV conversion using a Resolve Controller

[@jerrybalch3912]

Very clear and concise. Thanks for the simple explanation

[@roodick85]

Not many ppl know how awesome salvage LEAF parts are. This is awesome 🙌🏾

[@roynelson2790]

In the process of doing the mechanical conversion now

[@tommills2097]

Thanks for the great video. Your presentation of the parts layout is among the clearest and most informative of the videos on this subject.

[@roynelson2790]

Thanks Tom, The Ranger is working great. Did you watch my second video of the actual conversion?

[@simonclark5936]

A very interesting and useful video. Thank you!

[@rexmundi8154]

You did a great job of explaining your build. I’m about to do a VW dune buggy conversation and I think I’ll copy your setup and use this converter.

[@roynelson2790]

Thanks, Feel free to contact me if I can help. The Ranger is working perfect, love the quiet and torque.

[@rexmundi8154]

@@roynelson2790 that’s very kind of you, I might take you up on that. I’m actively looking for a donor leaf now. I was sure your Ranger was probably still working, you guys did a really clean job.

[@roynelson2790]

@@rexmundi8154 This Ranger is not used for recreation. We have an 800 acre ranch in Oregon with 14 miles of fence lines that need to be maintained and on very steep terrain. The gas Ranger was under powered, had problems with transmission gears dis engaging when going down the mountain, very scary. With the re-gen I hardly ever need to use the brakes.

[@michaelprichard2721]

Thanks for making this video. I am looking to convert a 85 VW Cabriolet and was thinking Tesla but now I may move to a Nissan Leaf drive train with a resolve ev controller. Love to see the finished product.

[@roynelson2790]

I have motor/inverter/charge installed, working on battery box and wiring. In the video I said I was going put motor under the seat and battery behind the seat, changed my mind, now reversed it .

[@danmantyla3315]

This is really good, thank you so much for making this video

[@FrankGraffagnino]

i really love this bench test setup! great job!

[@Mrelectric423]

I’m thinking about getting a resolve controller too. Great to see this video!

[@roynelson2790]

Roy Nelson 0 seconds ago In the process of doing the mechanical conversion now

[@alexandervdr4764]

Hi Roy, I hope you are still listening! Great videos. Am I right when I say this Leaf/Resolve combi looks substantially easier to tackle a conversion compared to a Tesla based approach? (without taking away any appreciation for your work!!!!!)

[@roynelson2790]

I think it depends on how many miles you want to go on charge. The leaf battery was right for my application. I think a lot of people are using Tesla if they can find one for the right price. Good Luck.

[@buddynscooter]

Thanks Roy! I really appreciated your walkthrough of all the components. Just bought a 2017 Leaf motor stack and am going to try to shoe horn it into a 59 Austin Healey Sprite. I will definitely be ordering the Resolve EV thanks to this video! One question, what is the little box that provides bluetooth comms to the Leaf Spy app?

[@roynelson2790]

You have to buy a Bluetooth adapter. I went to Leaf Spy Pro website and read their info. I choose the LE Link2 OBD-2, cost $30. In your conversion, if motor, inverter and charger are too high to fit, you can remove the charger and relocate it. You have to make cables, hoses etc. but I can give you some ideas to keep it simple. I had to move charger for my conversion. Done with mechanical, working on wiring and making aluminum battery box as I had to reconfigure the battery pack

[@buddynscooter]

@@roynelson2790 Thanks again Roy! I need to make sure the Leaf motor stack will work in my tiny car (Austin Healey Sprite), once confirmed I will be, for sure, buying all the other components. Your videos are very much appreciated and I'll keep you informed as to my progress!

[@roynelson2790]

Mark, I purchased a wrecked Leaf, in that way you get all the components you will need; wiring, water pump, battery, motor mounts, maybe radiator, etc. also keep in mind the RPM differences in the old motor verses the Leaf motor if you are going to use the existing transmission.

[@buddynscooter]

@@roynelson2790 I've been searching for a salvaged Leaf but there are none locally. There is a salvage auction site called copart but their fees are crazy. I got a really good deal on the full stack with wiring harness so if it fits, I'll move forward with the other purchases. The current car has old MES-DEA components. The ~30 HP motor is directly driving the drive shaft. I'd like to get the full Leaf unit in along w/gear box but will need to get a custom shaft made I suppose. I like Resolve EV because I believe you can adjust the torque curve.

[@roynelson2790]

@@buddynscooter The Leaf does not have a gearbox (transmission), just gear reduction, then transaxle. So if you put the unit in front you could go with front wheel drive, or put in back and have rear wheel drive. Yes, you can adjust torque settings via software up date. In the Ranger I turned the unit 90 degrees and drive the front wheels with one axle and the rear two differentials with the axle. I have the power going thru 2 sets of differentials so top speed will only be about 24 MPH. I welded the Diff in the Leaf unit solid.

[@jr-pl9kj]

a leaf powertrain is overkill for that type of vehicle, you should look into golf cart based conversions such as for example HPEV AC-9 motors or equivalent.

[@roynelson2790]

We have a ranch in the mountains, the gas engine (45HP)barely made it up and we are hauling 1000 lbs. plus of equipment. It is geared down so top speed will be about 24 MPH. Issak in Sweden can send me an software update to control torque to what ever % I want.

[@martinwinlow]

I can't hear a flaming word you are saying!

[@roynelson2790]

I just checked it and it works fine. Check your volume control, is speaker shut off, also you can use closed caption