First Electric Jensen?

[AlistairT]

Just watched the new trailer for vintage voltage car program on DMAX channel they will be converting a Mark 3 to electric power. They are based in Wales and have done a number of classic car’s from a Fiat 500 to a MGB, anyone know who’s car it is? I’ll have to watch it again and try and get the reg number..

[ajc9415]

I can’t answer your question but I did watch the episode where they converted a VW Karmann Ghia which I thought was excellent. I know a lot of people would be horrified by the prospect but live and let live! It is expensive, I think the VW was £35,000 for the conversion so I’m sure an Interceptor would be a lot more. I was surprised that it still uses the existing manual gearbox and existing axle etc. I had assumed electric vehicles would be direct drive from the motor. I wonder if they can still use the automatic gearbox of an Interceptor? I guess we will find out soon!

[johnw]

Jensen were building EVs in the 40s/50s for railways etc. So it won't be the first Jensen EV!

On the later Jensens I would have thought you could bypass the the transmission, and use a reduction gearbox, and drive the rear propshaft from that directly. It is a bit more complicated with a VW as you have the rear diff integrated into the back to front transaxle.

I believe early Tesla's use a Borg Warner reduction gearbox with Integrated diff.

[VFK44]

"In 1948 [Jensen] made an agreement with Hindle Smart to build a battery-electric version of the Tug, which was called the Jen-Helecs. They produced the Jen-Helecs Model 210, a battery-electric tractor unit suitable for use with semi-trailers of 30–40 cwt capacity. It had a maximum speed of 16 mph, a range of 20 miles and was fitted with a 36-cell 192 Ahr battery, mounted in two panniers, one on either side of the chassis."



Stephen

[Richard Calver]

It's also the first reference to a Jensen drivers' club that I know about, predating the JOC by 22 years.

[AlistairT]

Well thanks for your replies guy’s, I didn’t think it would work, but what was yesterday’s date??
LOL , not a bad April fools joke..

[ajc9415]

Well done! Irrespective of the lack of Jensen I do think it’s an interesting series.