I'd like to convert my 2001 Ranger XLT 3.0 to electric. Does anybody know of a company that will do this conversion? I've found a bunch of kit suppliers but can't seem to find any reputable companies that will turnkey the job.

 

Fords new Maverick is a non-plug in Hybrid so has better range and less cost of adding plug-in at home or finding a plug in when out and about
$20,000 base model

In my opinion Hybrids are the way to go for the next 10 years at least, until infrastructure and battery range gets better

Battery "pack" for an all electric will run you over $10,000 plus the cost of the conversion, which wouldn't be less that $10,000
So look at the Maverick to see if it will work for you

Ford did make electric Rangers from 1998 to 2002, most were leased and destroyed when lease was over, but there are some privately owned and they do come up for sale
They were all regular cab 6ft beds
EV Ranger website here: Welcome to REVolt

 

Good thoughts, as always, Ron.

Certainly agree with you about practicality of hybrids over EVs. I'm OK with current EV range as I only use my Ranger for short trips around town. Also, I'm hopeful that Ford is truly working out country-wide charging stations with development of the F-150 Lightning next year. That would be helpful if I did take a longer trip.

So I'm thinking seriously about getting on the electric bandwagon. I've already put down a $100 deposit for the Lightning. It's a refundable deposit and obviously little money, so not a full commitment. But, I am leaning towards purchase. Gotta love the HP, torque, independent rear suspension, frunk, home emergency powering capability, etc. It's a lot of money, but a relative bargain especially with the federal tax credit.

If I do proceed with purchase, I intend to keep the Ranger as my hobby vehicle. I love the old truck and it's in excellent condition with a lot of miles left. But, if I were able to convert the Ranger, and get reasonable power and range, I could go electric without buying the Lightning.

Now, for some pie-in-the-sky thinking... what I'd really want, and what I think is the best alternative to fossil fuel, would be a hydrogen combustion engine. Avoids all the weight and hazardous materials, and takes advantage of the impeccable state of modern gasoline combustion engines: design, materials, construction, and electronic management systems. However, I'm pushing 70 (as you might have suspected by this rambling post :)) and don't think that will be a commercial reality while I'm still driving. BMW built a limited number of hydrogen burners back in 2005 but never put it into production.

 

Most EV swaps seem to be running into the $30K-$40K range for a turn key swap. There just aren't enough players in the game to really bring down the costs. You would be better off just going with the Lightning, and leaving the little Ranger as a memory of old technology.

 

At that sort of price, you're absolutely right. I don't mind spending some serious money, but not new car money. Maybe someday independent specialists will be doing these conversions for more reasonable money, but it seems that day has yet to arrive. Thanks for the input.

 

Look at electric wheels, always though those looked cool

Leave the Ranger power train stock
Couple of electric wheels up front, some "die hard" batteries in the bed and you are all set, lol

But it is actually doable if you have a manual trans, with automatic you would have to disconnect rear drive shaft same a flat towing
I think the electric wheels run about $5,000 each and are rated at 110HP, so one could work if its just around town, but the battery pack is still the killer, no way around that cost


Hydrogen sounds good but its got a few "fleas", one the the Hindenburg, lol, when things go wrong with hydrogen they go VERY WRONG VERY FAST, there has been at least one Hydrogen Plant explosion and at least 2 hydrogen filling station explosions, yes it also happens with gasoline, but we are used to gasoline, lol

Other is the conversion from water to hydrogen and then back to water in a vehicle, it runs at about 30% efficient which is about the same as gasoline engine, but less polution
Batteries are at 75% efficient