Detail Info for: Ford : Ranger 100% Electric Ford Ranger--Conversion in 2009

Transaction Info

Sold On:

12/28/2010

Price:

$ 8500.00

Condition:

Used

Mileage:

179446

Location:

Saint Paul, MN, 55105

Seller Type:

Private seller

Vehicle Specification

Year Make Model:

2003 Ford Ranger

Submodel Body Type:

Pickup truck

Engine:

Transmission:

VIN:

1FTYR10D93PB13443

Vehicle Title:

Drive Train:

Fuel Type:

Electric

Standard Equipment:

Optional Equipment:

Vehicle Detail

Sparky is a 100% electric conversion of a 2003 Ford Ranger. The conversion was completed in the spring of 2009. The vehicle has been displayed at the Grand Old Day Parade, the Minnesota State Fair and at the Minnesota State Capitol. It has also been featured in several media reports. Sparky consists of the following: motor (Advance DCFB1-4001A); controller (Curtis 1231); charger (Zivan NG3); twelve, 12volt batteries (US Battery, sold under Interstate's brand--three under hood, nine on the bed behind the cab). Sparky was always intended as a second vehicle. I am in the process of getting divorced and have to let Sparky go since I need a vehicle with a wider range. Sparky gets 20 miles per charge in the winter and as much as 40 miles per charge in the summer. It takes one hour off charging to replace three miles driven. Electric rates are around 12-15 cents per hour. Figure around $1.50 per day to charge. It can plug into any 20 amp/110v outlet. Sparky is freeway worthy. I usually cruise at 50 m.p.h. to conserve battery. Just for fun, I got it up to 70 m.p.h.--and it felt like it could have gone a bit faster. The body is in good condition. There are some superficial scrapes over the wheel well on the right side. This vehicle is probably best suited for someone who is an electric vehicle enthusiast and who may want to upgrade to a more advanced battery technology sometime in the future. The body itself cost $3000. The initial conversion ran about $15,000. I figure now that I have over $20,000 invested in the vehicle. Here are some of the upgrades: two electric heaters for the cab, new tires, new floor mats, on demand power steering (needs new motor), rear window with ventilation hatch, tonneau cover, bed liner, battery heaters for Minnesota winters, Pak Trakr gauge on dashboard, and a sound system amp with a sub-woofer. The vehicle is smoke-free. My initial goal was for the vehicle to be educational and to promote alternative fuel vehicles. I have paved the way for the next owner to continue the development of this vehicle. The price is $8,500.