Lexus GS450H EV Conversion - Anybody else done one?

[Dan--T]

Hi all,

I'm in the process of slowly converting my GS450H to EV using Damien's VCU board. So far I've assembled and programmed the board, starting a harness next, but need to sell the engine before I can get into the bigger jobs.

Eventually once I have everything running and working I may swap the full powertrain into something a little more interesting, but for now I was just keen to get up and running in an EV and at least it's RWD.

I'm curious if anybody else has done this conversion?
I was eagerly watching for Damiens Bexus updates, but I presume that project is on hold for now.


I don't necessarily want to copy somebody else, but it would be good to be able to ask a few questions to somebody who's doing the same thing.

I'll post some updates once I have something worth posting!
Cheers
Dan

[slanceley]

Hi Dan, well done for taking the first steps, and good luck with your project.

I'm just getting going with my conversion, using a GS450H transmission and inverter in my 1971 Reliant Scimitar:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1212.

Not sure how much help I can offer but if you get stuck, I'll help if I can.
(In fact, probably useful to watch what I'm doing and do the opposite!)

[PacEmaker]

Hi Dan, is it possible you're thinking of the LEXI project, not the BEXUS (BMW E65 powered by L110 transmission)?

I believe LEXI is on ice at present, it had been planned to start that in earnest as part of a training course, I could be wrong about that.

Anyhow here is the LEXI thread:

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=517

also, other threads relating to this idea will pop up if you do a search on 'LEXI'

[Dan--T]

Hi Dan, is it possible you're thinking of the LEXI project, not the BEXUS (BMW E65 powered by L110 transmission)?

I believe LEXI is on ice at present, it had been planned to start that in earnest as part of a training course, I could be wrong about that.

Anyhow here is the LEXI thread:

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=517

also, other threads relating to this idea will pop up if you do a search on 'LEXI'

Ah yes of course! I did mean Lexi, and I have been searching for BEXUS, (Thinking Battery Lexus)
Thanks for that!

Hi Dan, well done for taking the first steps, and good luck with your project.

I'm just getting going with my conversion, using a GS450H transmission and inverter in my 1971 Reliant Scimitar:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1212.

Not sure how much help I can offer but if you get stuck, I'll help if I can.
(In fact, probably useful to watch what I'm doing and do the opposite!)

EV Scimitar should be a very interesting project, a good friend of mine has been building a V8 scimitar for the past 15 years, I'll be interested to see how you get on with the project!

[Dan--T]

Hello - Reviving this thread as it is still relevant.


Has anybody else managed to convert a GS450H?

My project is still ongoing, but I'm interested to know if the other systems on the car still operate happily with the Engine and VCM missing. i.e. the electrically actuated brake servo, EPAS, HV AC compressor. And in general would be good to talk with any other people who've done the same project, share idea's/resources etc.

Thanks
Dan

[ThE0nE]

Hi Dan,

I'm also thinking about converting my GS450h, but I want a PHEV.

It's my daily drive, can't afford to remove ICE.

Some days I might need to go over 100km.

[ThE0nE]

What made you choose Nissan Leaf battery pack?

Are you thinking of keeping original NiMH pack and adding Nissan Leaf as extra?

[Dan--T]

Hi Dan,

I'm also thinking about converting my GS450h, but I want a PHEV.

It's my daily drive, can't afford to remove ICE.

Some days I might need to go over 100km.

Hi, just saw this post, did you make any progress on the PHEV project? That sounds like it would be a good car, the battery compartment that houses the hybrid battery is big enough for a 30kWh (40 at a push) lithium battery using the Leaf modules. So you could easily make a good usable PHEV on that platform.

[Dan--T]

What made you choose Nissan Leaf battery pack?

Are you thinking of keeping original NiMH pack and adding Nissan Leaf as extra?

I chose it because I got a good deal on brand new modules, and because of the form factor being easy to build stacks/modules.

No the original pack is too big in volume and small in capacity to be useful, and voltage is lower too, so it's been sold

Thanks
Dan