Freelander 1 Freelander EV

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Nodge68 said:
I struggle to listen to Damien for more than a few minutes at a time Ali, so didn't watch the whole video.
Does the board come ready assembled, or do you have to put it together yourself, with components you've souced?
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I can understand that mate, what he is saying is very relevant to me so I'm interested but his voice is very boring.
I believe the VCU kit comes mostly complete but a few chips need soldering on but I'll report back when it arrives.
If I'd paid 750 Euro I could have got it complete including box and connectors but where is the fun in that. :)
While waiting for it to arrive I've started figuring out where the Chademo socket will go. The easiest place is under the bonnet which is not ideal but workable. I'll have to pop the bonnet to charge but it will happen so infrequently I'm not to bothered.
 
Alibro said:
I can understand that mate, what he is saying is very relevant to me so I'm interested but his voice is very boring.
I believe the VCU kit comes mostly complete but a few chips need soldering on but I'll report back when it arrives.
If I'd paid 750 Euro I could have got it complete including box and connectors but where is the fun in that. :)
While waiting for it to arrive I've started figuring out where the Chademo socket will go. The easiest place is under the bonnet which is not ideal but workable. I'll have to pop the bonnet to charge but it will happen so infrequently I'm not to bothered.
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Can you not put the Chademo socket where the original fuel filled was, or is that space already taken?
 
Nodge68 said:
Can you not put the Chademo socket where the original fuel filled was, or is that space already taken?
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My ac charger is in the old fuel filler hole. It gets used frequently and fits nicely so I'll keep it there. I've already made a bracket for the Chademo socket to bolt it to the inverter.

PXL_20250513_160131105.jpg
PXL_20250513_160126278.jpg

Just needs a drop of paint.


The leads for it are very short so it's handy to have it beside the HV junction box.
As far as I know I just need to add two contactors to make it work with the Zombieverter which arrived today. :)

Nodge68 said:
Have you seen this Ali?

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I've been aware of this adapter for a few months but I don't think I would get one. There are other ways of getting CCS charging that would cost a similar amount but should be more reliable.
 
andyfreelandy said:
Some copycats out there ! Best form of flattery !!

The Freelander name is returning! Designed by JLR, built by Chery, and due in the UK | Autocar

Chery-built crossover will have range-extender and pure-EV options plus Gerry McGovern styling
www.autocar.co.uk
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Mine looks better. 🤣

This arrived today

PXL_20250514_193616702.jpg


It's called a Zombieverter VCU (Vehicle Control Unit), designed by Damien Maguire and manufactured by JLC PCB. I thought I may have a few IC's to solder on but it seems to be complete, apart from headers for the Wemos WiFi Module and the main connectors which are winging their way from China as we speak. 😉
This board will replace the VCU which currently monitors the throttle and sends CAN to the inverter to make it go.
The biggest advantage of this board is the number of users and how actively it is still being improved. My old VCU works well but it was an early version, had fewer inputs and outputs, did not have many users and was never developed fully, at least not by people willing to share. I can't help thinking it's a shame to replace it but the Zombieverter will give me many other options like fast charging and will also enable me to reduce the number of Arduino's in the car since it can control other devices too.
Another big plus is it has a menu driven interface so I don't need to worry about writing Arduino Code. :banana:
 
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kernowsvenski said:
I have to keep reminding myself of this when catching up with this thread :cool:
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It could be confusing for a first time reader of this thread.

I must admit that I'm interested in this zombi VCU, as I'm wondering if it could made to work with other vehicles, like the Freelander 2, maybe?
I think prices of batteries and dead engine FL2s are now low enough to make a EV conversion project out of one.
 
Nodge68 said:
It could be confusing for a first time reader of this thread.

I must admit that I'm interested in this zombi VCU, as I'm wondering if it could made to work with other vehicles, like the Freelander 2, maybe?
I think prices of batteries and dead engine FL2s are now low enough to make a EV conversion project out of one.
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The Zombieverter is a board that was mainly designed to control OEM hardware like inverters/motors, heaters, chargers etc by sending the appropriate CAN signals and it's constantly being updated with new hardware being added to the menu's.
It can also be used to control the dash but I'm not sure LR is on the list yet.
If you can do all the work yourself it could be possible to convert a car for under £5k as prices for used EV parts have fallen as supply has improved.

Nodge68 said:
I can probably dream of doing it much better than actually doing it. Maybe, although I'd have to convince the wife it's worth doing.
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NOOOOOOO!
Tell her it's a hybrid car and needs the battery replaced and will be worth ten times as much once done. She'll never twig its a conversion your doing for fun until you'r sailing along on leccy only. :banana:
 
Alibro said:
The Zombieverter is a board that was mainly designed to control OEM hardware like inverters/motors, heaters, chargers etc by sending the appropriate CAN signals and it's constantly being updated with new hardware being added to the menu's.
It can also be used to control the dash but I'm not sure LR is on the list yet.
If you can do all the work yourself it could be possible to convert a car for under £5k as prices for used EV parts have fallen as supply has improved.
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I've been keeping an eye on battery and motor prices, and yes they have fallen massively.
The problem with converting an FL2, is the massive amount of software integration that exists in the vehicle.
It's quite a daunting proposition, but definitely worth thinking about.
Alibro said:
NOOOOOOO!
Tell her it's a hybrid car and needs the battery replaced and will be worth ten times as much once done. She'll never twig its a conversion your doing for fun until you'r sailing along on leccy only. :banana:
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My wife knows enough about cars to know if I was to try to deceive her.
 
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