Design decisions

With battery size (pack = 144v) and cell type chosen the charger can be selected, a common model is the Zivan NG 3, specifications look very good – it is selectable modes for different battery types so if technology changes I can adapt with it. The only problem is the voltage is fixed so increasing is not an option.

I’m interesting in being able to take 220v and 110v principally as I have 220 socket conveniently installed in my garage so could charge faster.

Definitely have to follow the pattern of other builders in replacing the petrol filler with a plug, that is nice up front job that can be taken care of ahead of other steps.

The Manzanita Micro PFC-30 is multi voltage input and has a buck enhancement option, so very quick charging indeed. This charger is actually a simple CI/CV type, but very well made.

Monitoring and interlock shown on secondary Schematics.

Manzanita Micro PFC-30 specs

External input

Charger cords

Bus charger inlet is a ~L6-30P

Since there is a range of connections found at friends homes and workshops I decided to build a cord set with multiple options

Cable	Plug	Receptacle	Rating	Length	Usage
#1	5-15P	5-15R	110V 15A	50ft	Used with #2 + #3 for standard 110v/15A outlet charging
#2	5-20P	L6-30R	110V 20A	1ft	Used as above, also with #4 for 110v/20A charging
#3	5-15P	5-20R	110V 20A	3ft	Used with #1+#2
#4	L6-30P	L6-30R	220V 30A	50ft	Used standalone or with #2, #5(#6) or #7
#5	6-50P	L6-30R	220V 30A	1ft	Used with #4
#6	6-30P	L6-30R	220V 30A	1ft	Same cable as #5, reconfiguration of pins
#7	14-50P	L6-30R	220V 30A	1ft	Used with #4

How to connect to that?

Outlet	Rating	Cable set
5-15R	110V/15A	#1 + #2 + #3 or #2 + #3 + #4
5-20R	110V/20A	#2 + #4
~L6-30R	220V/30A	#4
6-50R	220V/30A	#4 + #5
6-30R	220V/30A	#4 + #6
14-50R	220V/30A	#4 + #7

Journal entries

2009 07 11 – Converted fuel input to electric!