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running a Tesla SDU on 120V?

Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2024 7:49 pm
by bruceJ
I have an '82 VW van that is already an EV. 120V 36kWh LIFE battery, 30kw no name chinese AC motor running through the OEM gearbox. it runs fine but is a bit weak.
Time for a Tesla upgrade.
any ideas how it will go on the 120V system? the battery is in GC so I dont want to upgrade (yet).

I could easily upgrade to 132V or (with a bit of work) 144V. over that its a new charger, BMS, mounting etc etc.

I have seen on you tube various people test the SDU with the openinverter board at as low as 24V.

obviously higher voltage is better, but would this work on 120V (or 132 / 144)? I'm not after highway speeds, 60-80 klm/hr is fine by me
Thanks, Bruce

Re: running a Tesla SDU on 120V?

Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2024 5:31 am
by johu
My guesstimate is you will get about 50 kW. If that is sufficient, work away

Re: running a Tesla SDU on 120V?

Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2024 12:43 pm
by tom91
No a SDU on low voltage is not a good idea.

The SDU needs voltage, even at 250V it really really poor on performance.

Re: running a Tesla SDU on 120V?

Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2024 7:30 pm
by bruceJ
thanks for the replies. 50kW would be fine. thats about double my current power
I'm not after high performance, just something that is reliable and actually works.
anyone had any experience running at such a low voltage?