Freelander 1 Hybrid Hippo

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DastardlyDan

Active Member
Posts
287
Getting daft ideas about converting a Hippo into a hybrid... Replace the VCU with a large electric motor (of forklift origins) propshaft to the rear as standard.

Throw out the standard gearbox, and replace with a FWD PG1, to help offset a bit of the weight, and give more space. Control method would be interesting, what with it powering a different set of wheels.

Pipe dreams I suppose......
 
It is a good idea, but it´s necessary to keep the engine running for power steering pump and the vacuum brake booster.
 
This configuration would only ever be for a "4x4 boost", so slightly improving takeoff/etc.

Turns out Land Rover actually made this exact setup as a concept, lol
 
Top notch idea DD. I often trawl the Kiwi equivalent of eBay looking for end-of-life fork lifts! I often find myself driving along and wondering how it'd be programmed as well - eg when to give the motor juice and how to vary the power to the motor so it goes back to 100% ICE without a jolting switch off etc.

I'd be tempted to pilot it with motor bolted where the VCU is - its the natural and easy place to install, but ultimately I'd want it safely tucked away out of harms way in the boot - I'm thinking rotate the diff so it points upwards - I don't know if that would work with oil etc - let alone the mounting issues.
 
Getting daft ideas about converting a Hippo into a hybrid... Replace the VCU with a large electric motor (of forklift origins) propshaft to the rear as standard.

Throw out the standard gearbox, and replace with a FWD PG1, to help offset a bit of the weight, and give more space. Control method would be interesting, what with it powering a different set of wheels.

Pipe dreams I suppose......

With work, the Freelander's "pick n mix" design would make it a good contender for such a conversion. There are many ways to power such a "hybrid" these days. I would avoid a brushed electric motor for efficiency, however a brushed motor is easier to power and can be used as a generator to recharge the batterys.
 
for some reason... I thought I saw that on the FB group. Much easier to read+reference on a "proper" website :D
 
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Hadn't realised Mr Blair was a knight of the KKK...
 
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