Cushman Kei Van project

Tell us about the project you do with the open inverter
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justinpogge
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Cushman Kei Van project

Post by justinpogge »

I am acquiring a Cushman Kei van that has a cracked transmission housing.
here is my idea, remove engine and transmission and replace with a Lexus GS450 or Nissan leaf motor directly to the driveshaft.

if i go with the GS450, It will be along the lines of Gregski's GMC truck build.
there are a couple of people selling whole nissan leaf setups locally for pretty cheap.

both these motors might be overkill replacing the current 50hp ICE engine.

anyone have a suggestion of other motors or components?
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marcexec
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Re: Cushman Kei Van project

Post by marcexec »

Can you get Outlander PHEV components in your area? They're a "size" smaller and the rear unit might be suitable as a "diff replacement": https://openinverter.org/wiki/Mitsubish ... Drive_Unit
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justinpogge
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Re: Cushman Kei Van project

Post by justinpogge »

marcexec wrote: Fri Feb 21, 2025 2:19 pm Can you get Outlander PHEV components in your area? They're a "size" smaller and the rear unit might be suitable as a "diff replacement": https://openinverter.org/wiki/Mitsubish ... Drive_Unit
Outlanders PHEVs are not as common in the USA, but there are tons of Nissan leaf motors and the GS450s
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Bratitude
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Re: Cushman Kei Van project

Post by Bratitude »

Lots in Canada, eBay!
A gs450h is a bad choice. To much weight and power. You’ll never take advantage of the power. At which point your lugging around so much extra weight.
https://bratindustries.net/ leaf motor couplers, adapter plates, custom drive train components
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Re: Cushman Kei Van project

Post by arber333 »

justinpogge wrote: Fri Feb 21, 2025 2:52 am I am acquiring a Cushman Kei van that has a cracked transmission housing.
here is my idea, remove engine and transmission and replace with a Lexus GS450 or Nissan leaf motor directly to the driveshaft.

if i go with the GS450, It will be along the lines of Gregski's GMC truck build.
there are a couple of people selling whole nissan leaf setups locally for pretty cheap.

both these motors might be overkill replacing the current 50hp ICE engine.

anyone have a suggestion of other motors or components?
Maybe you can simply use Prius drivetrain. Gen2 inverter and gearbox should be cheap there...

I think Leaf motor is overkill for a light Van... where did i saw a van like this? 8-)



They use Leaf EM61 motor and Chevy Volt inverter with both power stages in parallel!
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