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?
Outlanders PHEVs are not as common in the USA, but there are tons of Nissan leaf motors and the GS450s
Re: Cushman Kei Van project
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 3:38 pm
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.
Re: Cushman Kei Van project
Posted: Sun Jul 20, 2025 4:18 pm
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?
They use Leaf EM61 motor and Chevy Volt inverter with both power stages in parallel!
