Introduction
Isaac Wass
With a production run of 23 years and more than 1.6 Million units sold, this is an iconic example of British motoring heritage - with a modern twist.
The Morris Minor was produced between 1948 - 1971 and saw numerous revisions throughout that time. This particular example is a 1970 model 1000, which came from the factory with "Almond Green" paintwork, a 1098cc engine, and the immediately recognisable wooden framed rear end.
Having spent most of its life as a standard and entirely unmolested example of an iconic British motor, the current owner sought out this specific car for its good condition, solid undercarriage, and moderately low miles in order to convert this once fossil fuel driven classic into an all electric green machine. It now is a "zero emission" car, featuring an 80kW motor from a Nissan Leaf, and 40kWh batteries offering ~120 mile range.
This listing was written from information supplied by Isaac after meeting Paul the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.
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I WANT ONEAsk Questions
Hi Paul,
Nice looking moggy! On watching the “on the road” video I have 3 questions:
1. There is a continual high pitch sound. Can you please explain what this is and is it possible to address/stop it? 2. At times it rather clattary! Again can you advise what this is and is it possible to address?
3. Is the top speed 50mph as thats all you went too, and if so whats stopping it going faster as I a Leaf would go 80+mph?
Just trying to work out what tinkering would need doing?
Also the photos make the body look not too bad for a minor – is this a true reflection?
Finally if i were to make a bid are you willing to be contacted for advice around the EV conversion until i get to fully understand it? (i’m a mechanical engineer so volts are bit of a dark art to me!)
Thanks
Hi,
1. The high pitched whine probably the motor, but there is standard Morris diff & gearbox noise that you don’t normally here with the IC engine. Only basic noise when stationary is the water pump, which is very low & the rad fan has never been required to operate.
2. The clatter probably the doors. Have fitted new door seal but all could do with adjusting.
3. Speed was only due to traffic & road conditions. Have cruised at 70mph but not pushed to limit, yet.
The body is in fairly good order, has been previously restored, together with new wood.
No problem in being contacted, post sale, but software setup to your liking also needs to be understood.
Thanks, Paul
Hi
Is the 40k mileage shown from the Nissan Leaf?
Hi, the mileage is from the original Morris Traveller speedo. 39,800 when purchased & thought to be correct. Now reads about 40,300, so ~500 electric miles.
The battery is from a 2019 Leaf, unknown mileage, the motor from 2016 Leaf, unknown mileage.
Hello again Paul,
given the evolution of the EV batterie and chargers is a future upgrade envisageable?
Best
Hi again,
Change of charger would be a simple swapout. Newer ones are generally smaller, so no mechanical issues. Terminations are all in place but change of connector would likely be required.
Battery would be more of a mechanical issue, but more than enough space is available. BMS can be configured to any cell type & voltage, & motor/inverter can use any 250-400V supply.
Thanks, Paul
Hello again Paul,
How long would it take to charge to 80%? If one were to try and do more than 120 miles how long would it take to charge to be able to keep going?
Hi again,
To charge 20-80% would take about 3.5hrs @ 7Kw, 8hrs @ 3Kw.
To add 30% (~40mls) would take about 1.75hrs @ 7Kw, 4hrs @ 3Kw.
Thanks, Paul
Hello again Paul,
Could you give some idea of the charging times please.
Thank you
Hi,
Charging 0-100% from public charging station, or 7Kw domestic outlet, would be about 6hrs. From domestic 3-pin, 3Kw outlet about 13hrs.
However, best practice for battery longevity is not to charge, or discharge fully. i.e. use between 20-80%, or 10-90% & charging times would be correspondingly less.
Thanks, Paul
Hi Paul
Thanks for your previous reply. Is there a reason why the car is still registered with a petrol engine? Maybe to avoid MOT? Although historic, a car with a significantly altered engine still has to undergo an annual MOT – the rules are quite clear. Or is there a problem getting the car re-registered as an EV? Appreciate your guidance on this.
Cavo
Hi Cavo,
No problem with MOT, happy to get one anytime. Just haven’t done change of fuel/ engine yet.
Hello Paul,
Does the car actually need an MOT given it is a historic vehicle?
Regards
Hi, does not need MOT.
Historic vehicle status is MOT exempt & tax exempt.
Thanks, Paul
Hi Paul what a lovely vehicle and conversion.
It looks like it’s only able to charge on a three pin, is that correct?
Do any parts of the LEAF Chademo DC connection remain in place? I have a Chademo V2G charger so keen to understand if further adjustments could enable this vehicle to be compatible should I bid and win?
Hi, there is only a Type 2 connector on the car, it does not have Chademo DC connector.
It will charge from either 13A 3-pin plug, or 16A/32A industrial plug (Blue caravan type) or Type 2 public EV charging stations.
It does not have DC/AC inverter onboard so is not compatible with V2G.
Thanks, Paul
This looks a fantastic conversion and a very neat car. What is the registration, tax class and MOT status please? Clearly not MOT-exempt as the powertrain has been significantly modified. Apologies if this has been discussed in Comments below – for some reason I am unable to scroll down and read previous comments.
Look forward to your reply before bidding.
Thanks
Cavo
Hi Cavo,
Registration in my name.
Tax class – Historic vehicle.
Last MOT – Apr. 2021 (Petrol)
Fuel type yet to be changed.
Thanks, Paul
I love this conversion, i have spent last 6 months restoring a 1971 Moris Saloon (petrol) back to road worthy. Can you tell me is the 120 Miles what you can actually get, or is it like lots of electric cars best case…..I ask as my Hybrid Outlander states 34 on electric I think but it hovers around 25 miles and lower in the winter….
Cheers
Toby
Hi Toby, have not yet done 100 – 0% range test.
Actual test from 95 – 7% gave 124mls.
Another 95 – 67% gave 43mls.
All running in flat country i.e. not in the Pennines & without heater.
I believe 120mls is reasonable.
Thanks, Paul
HI Paul, The car looks great but why is the Orion battery management system outside of the battery box in the open? From my understanding it is not IP rated.
Hi, the BMS is under bonnet, so protected from all weather. Also, free airflow to cool BMS.
Temp monitoring probes are in the actual cells & heat from BMS balancing should not be within a battery box.
Thanks, Paul
HI Paul, I would never class under the bonnet as protected from all weathers. The BMS needs to be in a sealed dry space away from any moisture just like the battery modules. It should actually always be within the battery box. The BMS produces very little heat. All OEM’s fit the BMS within there battery packs, Tesla have then mounted on the modules themselves.
The Orion 2 BMS spec. says can generate 60w.
Hi Paul good achievement, I bought a 2013 Leaf re the V2H program. Have you included this feature, also the weak piont was no battery cooling, have you improved on that, as I see a tow bar. I imagine all cells are at 100% health wise, would Leaf spy work on your car. I will be very interested in it, as I have great meroies of my original one in fields at pop concerts in the early 70s covered with stickers. Lep
Hi, there is no DC to AC inverter onboard, so it will not discharge to house/grid & is not compatible with V2H or V2G systems.
I believe the cells to be ~95% SOH but Leaf Spy would not work.
Cell stats & battery management is by Orion 2 & vehicle management by Thunderstruck (US) VCU. Both fully programmable.
Leaf cell cooling I don’t believe was ever an issue – in the UK, plus an old classic car would never be driven hard enough/long enough for cell temp to be an issue. There is also much less ancillary load in a classic i.e. no aircon.
The tow bar was on the car when I bought it, a previous caravan owner.
FYI I fitted the radiator & cooling system for the motor & inverter, but temps have never risen much above ambient. Stat set to 30deg. but fan has never operated.
Thanks, Paul
Paul,
Are you able to say if the car requires the driver to have a full licence or is an automatic licence sufficient?
Best regards,
Stan.
Hi Stan,
All new electric cars are advertised as ‘Automatic’, so I assume if there is no clutch & no need to change gear – then it must be automatic.
The gear lever can easily be removed, if required.
I was going to remove it, but left it in for test purposes.
Cheers, Paul
Paul,
I love what you have done to the Minor. As a fellow EV converter I’m keen to see the detail of your work. Would it be possible for me to visit you tomorrow around lunchtime?
Regards
Andy
Hi Andy, yes no problem.
Please contact Trade Classics for details & let me know.
Cheers, Paul
Hi Paul, love the conversion. A question regarding the power and torque of the electric motor, can the gearbox and rear axle comfortably handle the increase?
Hi, people seem to put much bigger IC engines in the Minor & ultimately the half shafts seem to be the weak point.
Hardened shafts are available. However, if you have a heavy right foot, then max torque can be limited in the software.
Thanks, Paul
Hi Paul, love what you’ve done to the car. Can you tell me is it difficult/expensive to insure? I can see that it is currently taxed, but appears still to be classed as a petrol vehicle, have you informed DVLA of the conversion?
Hi, apologies for the delay.
My insurance is the same as it was when petrol ~£90. However, you do need to use a specialist vehicle insurer.
I can provide a contact, if required.
Fuel type yet to be changed.
Thanks, Paul
Hi Paul. Have you weighed the car since the conversion? I presume it’s heavier, do you know how much heavier it is? And I see you still have a coolant radiator fitted. Why’s that?
Hi, yes, had it corner weighed :
Total = 1,082Kg
Front/back ratio = 51.5/48.5%
Std. car = 856Kg
The radiator, pump & fan are to facilitate the cooling of the Leaf motor & controller.
The electronic fan thermostat set at 30deg. has never run in use, only during tests.
Thanks, Paul
Thank you. So the Leaf motor etc. is water cooled, got it, thanks! So the weight’s been increased by a quarter, hence the need for the brake upgrade. Do you know what the GVW is for a Traveller, is it designed to safely carry this “payload”? I’ve had a quick search around the web and can only find mention of kerb weight. Thank you.
Hi, Rated GVW is 1,143Kg.
Weight is no issue, just like two adults in the rear seat.
The brake upgrade was also unnecessary, as you can ‘one foot drive’ due the programmable regen.
Thanks, Paul
Thanks, Paul. Although if you did have 2 adults in the back, or even a child, you’d be over the permissible weight of 1143Kg. Is that your understanding too?
Hi, I’m just saying the vehicle, as is, is within limits.
For more capacity 8 leaf van rear springs can be fitted.
8cwt van = 406Kg load capability.
Thanks, Paul
Thank you Paul for clarifying.
Paul, Hi. First question regarding steering, is it power assisted?
Hi, no, steering is currently standard Morris Minor rack & pinion.
Easy when running >5mph, a bit harder at parking speeds.
There are after market, speed adaptive electric power steering units that could easily be fitted.
Thanks, Paul
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