AC Propulsion eBox

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The eBox is a conversion of a Scion xB vehicle into a battery electric vehicle produced by the U.S. company AC Propulsion.

AC Propulsion eBox
Manufacturer AC Propulsion
Production 2007-present
Predecessor AC Propulsion tzero
Class Mini MPV
Body style(s) Mini MPV, 5-door compact hatchback
Layout Front-engine, Front-wheel drive
Platform Toyota Scion xB
Engine(s) 3-phase, 4-pole AC induction
Wheelbase 2499 mm / 98.4 in.
Length 3944 mm / 155.4 in.
Width 1689 mm / 66.5 in.
Height 1641 mm / 64.6 in.
Curb weight 1383 kg / 3050 lb
Fuel capacity 35kWh
Related AC Propulsion tzero
Tesla Roadster
Designer AC Propulsion, Toyota

Contents

[edit] History

One of the events at which company executives made announcements of their intention to do Scion xB conversions was an October 2003 event recorded in pictures and commentary on the Electrifying Times website. Company executives stated that the Scion xB was chosen in part due to its boxy shape which allows for good placement and installation of a battery pack. The availability of a suitable battery was said to be an important step in allowing for the announcement of the program. Suitability requirements included that the battery be widely available ("off the shelf"), in volume, without danger that supply would be cut off or be overly limited. Thousands of lithium-ion batteries, of the 18650 variant, were proposed as suitable for the rechargeable battery system.

The prototype eBox was unveiled in Santa Monica, CA on August 18, 2006. The prototype used a battery pack consisting of 5,300 Li-ion cells arranged into 100 blocks of 53 cells each.

The first production eBox was delivered to actor Tom Hanks on February 15, 2007.

[edit] Pricing

Estimated cost of this conversion exceeds USD $50,000 in addition to the base vehicle cost (excluding the cost of the gasoline engine, that is depurated in the conversion), while high volume OEM additional cost is projected at about USD $10,000. It appears that high volume production by original vehicle manufactures using AC production components is a goal, with the low volume production being an intermediate step.

AC Propulsion offers the conversion for USD $55,000[1].

[edit] Specifications

  • Acceleration: 0 to 60mph in less than 7 seconds
  • Top Speed: 95 mph (153 km/h)
  • Range: 140-180 mi. (225-290 km)
  • Motor: AC induction motor
  • Battery pack: 5,088 Li-Ion cells, 355V nominal, 35kWh, 600 lb
  • Battery charger: On board, 100-250VAC, 50/60Hz, includes Vehicle to Grid (V2G) and UPS (generator mode) capability
    • Charge rate: up to 20kW; 30 minutes for 20-50 miles
    • Full Charge: 2 hours (fast), 5 hours (normal)
  • Energy Efficiency: 180 AC Wh/km in typical driving

[edit] References

  1. ^ eBox - Pricing & Availability

[edit] See also

[edit] External links