Freelander 1 Freelander EV

Alibro said:

LOL, my first car was a company Mini van. I've no idea what the fuel economy was but suspect pretty poor as I used the accelerator pedal like a switch.

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At one point back in the day, I was car-less - I think it was because I'd crashed my 1850HL rather than one of them breaking down.

I was lent a Mini Clubman Estate to use from a friend up the pub. Was a fun little thing, the ignition was a screw driver rather than a key! Borrowed it off this girl...



If you read the Sun in the early/mid 80's, you might recognise her, she appeared regularly on the 3rd page

GrumpyGel said:

At one point back in the day, I was car-less - I think it was because I'd crashed my 1850HL rather than one of them breaking down.

I was lent a Mini Clubman Estate to use from a friend up the pub. Was a fun little thing, the ignition was a screw driver rather than a key! Borrowed it off this girl...

View attachment 314611

If you read the Sun in the early/mid 80's, you might recognise her, she appeared regularly on the 3rd page

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GG you old dog!

So I finally got around to sorting the LV Junction box extension.

This solution is not optimal



Making the box from ABS plastic and using plumbers plastic cement which works a treat although is a bit messy.



And in situ.



It is a bit rough and the lid which is curing is even worse but it's only temporary until I get around to making something prettier.

Just looking at how "modular" the build is in places, did you condsider using multi plugs/connectors so you could easily remove a box with the components in for repair etc?

kernowsvenski said:

Just looking at how "modular" the build is in places, did you condsider using multi plugs/connectors so you could easily remove a box with the components in for repair etc?

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Yes mate, I even bought them and stored them in a handy place so I would know where they were.
When I went to do the tidy up I went there, lifted them out and inspected them carefully, then put them back and said Sod That and moved on.
Two reasons, one the amount of work involved in soldering all those connectors and ensuring there are no mistakes or solder bridges is big. I mean like a days work just to do the connections.
But the bigger reason is I've been bitten by multi plugs already in this build and don't wish to introduce another potential failure point. If you remember my inverter plug which is Nissan OEM had a faulty connection causing me weeks or even months of grief and hassle.
KISS is my motto.

A completely understandable rationale! Fair enough

Alibro said:

Yes mate, I even bought them and stored them in a handy place so I would know where they were.
When I went to do the tidy up I went there, lifted them out and inspected them carefully, then put them back and said Sod That and moved on.
Two reasons, one the amount of work involved in soldering all those connectors and ensuring there are no mistakes or solder bridges is big. I mean like a days work just to do the connections.
But the bigger reason is I've been bitten by multi plugs already in this build and don't wish to introduce another potential failure point. If you remember my inverter plug which is Nissan OEM had a faulty connection causing me weeks or even months of grief and hassle.
KISS is my motto.

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I'd agree. Plug connections are a weak point in any system, so reducing plugs as much as possible will help long term reliability.

Nodge68 said:

I'd agree. Plug connections are a weak point in any system, so reducing plugs as much as possible will help long term reliability.

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If they are plugged in once and left alone then they will probably be OK (so long as no moisture gets near it) but in my case they will probably be disconnected multiple times which is probably what killed my Leaf Inverter connector.

Alibro said:

So I finally got around to sorting the LV Junction box extension.

This solution is not optimal

View attachment 314633

Making the box from ABS plastic and using plumbers plastic cement which works a treat although is a bit messy.

View attachment 314632

And in situ.

View attachment 314631

It is a bit rough and the lid which is curing is even worse but it's only temporary until I get around to making something prettier.

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I guess you probably know about these anyway, but I'm always amazed at the range of off-the-shelf electrical enclosures that are available. RS have a similarly huge range too - and of course, as many waterproof cable glands as you can shake a stick at.

Avocet1 said:

I guess you probably know about these anyway, but I'm always amazed at the range of off-the-shelf electrical enclosures that are available. RS have a similarly huge range too - and of course, as many waterproof cable glands as you can shake a stick at.

https://cpc.farnell.com/c/electrical-lighting/enclosures-racks-accessories/enclosures-boxes-cases/plastic-enclosures

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I spent hours looking for an enclosure the exact length and width I needed for the main LV JB but there was nothing that suited.
The new extension is even more oddly shaped due to the slope of the bonnet so it suits better to have made them myself.
Even though the box is in two parts I had to extend the original lid to make it all fit.

I didn't get a photo of it immediately after gluing together (deliberately as it looked so bad) but this is it after a skim of filler.



It still needs a lot of work to make it look any way decent but all fits nicely.

When I started this I was very concerned about making everything water proof but having driven through several rain storms I found it bone dry under the bonnet so I don't fuss so much now.

New video.

Alibro said:

I spent hours looking for an enclosure the exact length and width I needed for the main LV JB but there was nothing that suited.
The new extension is even more oddly shaped due to the slope of the bonnet so it suits better to have made them myself.
Even though the box is in two parts I had to extend the original lid to make it all fit.

I didn't get a photo of it immediately after gluing together (deliberately as it looked so bad) but this is it after a skim of filler.

View attachment 314741

It still needs a lot of work to make it look any way decent but all fits nicely.

When I started this I was very concerned about making everything water proof but having driven through several rain storms I found it bone dry under the bonnet so I don't fuss so much now.

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Longer term, might condensation become a problem?

Avocet1 said:

Longer term, might condensation become a problem?

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I don't think condensation will be an issue when it is not sealed and the box is all plastic. The electronics get warm so even in winter would dry out if they had got damp, but from what I've seen even after driving in cold damp weather it has always been bone dry.

Air movement should help keep condensation to a minimum, as will a little warmth.

On a slightly different EV topic.
We've gone an ordered an EV as the family car.

Nodge68 said:

Air movement should help keep condensation to a minimum, as will a little warmth.

On a slightly different EV topic.
We've gone an ordered an EV as the family car.

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SWEET!

Is it an Ionic 5?
You need a 7kW EVSE wall charger for it. I got one cheap off Ebay but you might need to go for something more professional.

Alibro said:

SWEET!

Is it an Ionic 5?
You need a 7kW EVSE wall charger for it. I got one cheap off Ebay but you might need to go for something more professional.

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Yes, we went for the Ionic 5 in the end, in RWD Ultimate spec with the 77 KWhr battery. It was a toss up between that and the very good looking Cupra Born. However the Born is just too small for what we need, as it'll be replacing the FL2 as the family load lugger.

It's all very exciting, although slightly worrying at the same time, as this is new tech to us. I have managed to get 3.2 miles to the KWhr, with some pretty spirited driving, so expect nearer 4 in normal use.

We'll be looking at sorting the EVSE next week, but for insurance purposes it'll need to be a new professional installation. Then I'm wondering if I should change to a different electric tariff, or stick with my current one, as the prices seem to be dropping.

Of course a new car will delay the solar installation, as we've "borrowed" from our solar installation fund to pay the deposit.

Exciting stuff though.

Brilliant news mate, how exciting and yes a bit nerve wracking too but from what I've heard you're getting one of the best EV's on the market.
It probably depends on how many miles you will be driving whether it's worth changing your tariff. I probably don't do enough miles to warrant the extra price during the day, especially as I often charge using solar but I'm sure you'll figure it out.

Nodge68 said:

Yes, we went for the Ionic 5 in the end, in RWD Ultimate spec with the 77 KWhr battery. It was a toss up between that and the very good looking Cupra Born. However the Born is just too small for what we need, as it'll be replacing the FL2 as the family load lugger.

It's all very exciting, although slightly worrying at the same time, as this is new tech to us. I have managed to get 3.2 miles to the KWhr, with some pretty spirited driving, so expect nearer 4 in normal use.

We'll be looking at sorting the EVSE next week, but for insurance purposes it'll need to be a new professional installation. Then I'm wondering if I should change to a different electric tariff, or stick with my current one, as the prices seem to be dropping.

Of course a new car will delay the solar installation, as we've "borrowed" from our solar installation fund to pay the deposit.

Exciting stuff though.

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Hope it turns out to be a good car for you.

I just Googled it. Don't these car manufacturers talk bollocks! From Hyundai's website...

The IONIQ 5’s pure design is a refreshing take on electric vehicles, stripping away complexity to celebrate clean lines and minimalistic structures. The unique clamshell hood spans the entire width of the car, minimising panel gaps for a clean, high-tech look.

FFS everyone on this forum has a "clamshell hood".

Its not unique to EVs either. Cos Ali has one, you should sue the bastards!

Alibro said:

Brilliant news mate, how exciting and yes a bit nerve wracking too but from what I've heard you're getting one of the best EV's on the market.
It probably depends on how many miles you will be driving whether it's worth changing your tariff. I probably don't do enough miles to warrant the extra price during the day, especially as I often charge using solar but I'm sure you'll figure it out.

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Yes it's right up there with the best. It's not so efficient as a Tesla model Y, and not so spacious in the boot, but the legroom makes my FL2 look small. The wheel base is enormous, but so is the turning circle.

I'll do the maths on EV tariff vs standard tariff.

GrumpyGel said:

Hope it turns out to be a good car for you.

I just Googled it. Don't these car manufacturers talk bollocks! From Hyundai's website...

The IONIQ 5’s pure design is a refreshing take on electric vehicles, stripping away complexity to celebrate clean lines and minimalistic structures. The unique clamshell hood spans the entire width of the car, minimising panel gaps for a clean, high-tech look.

FFS everyone on this forum has a "clamshell hood".

Its not unique to EVs either. Cos Ali has one, you should sue the bastards!

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Thanks GG.

Oh yes, utter nonsense, but that's always the way from marketing teams.
All manufacturers are the same though, so I just ignore such rubbish.

Now we've 50% moved to electric, I'll be able to test for certain that going electric is the way forward.

Good luck with the new buggy. I've always got a supply of Freelander 1's should you realise you've made a mistake