This summer, Tomas Aas-Hansen, a first-year mechatronics student at the University of Agder (UiA), joined the innovative ELAG project. His task was to continue transforming a Massey Ferguson tractor into a fully electric vehicle, building on the foundations laid by a 2024 bachelor thesis. Visit https://e-trac.no/ to access the experience transfer document.
Main Project Challenges
Battery Charging: One of the biggest hurdles we’ve faced is charging the battery independently of the car, due to Nissan’s proprietary stance on its electric components.
Battery Rearrangement: The original efficient layout of Nissan’s battery modules needs redesigning to fit them into the tractor.
Frame Design: With the diesel engine removed, the tractor’s front wheel suspension was unsupported, necessitating the design of a robust new frame that attaches to both the gearbox and the suspension.
Technical Insights
Motor Operation: Luckily, operating the motor proved straightforward. Using components from the Nissan Gen 1 Leaf, and following guidance from the Thunderstruck VCU kit, we managed the setup with relative ease. On the other hand, this meant discharging without being able to retract information from the BMS.
CAN Bus System: The Controller Area Network (CAN) is a streamlined but complex system used in virtually all cars for fast and robust communication between components. Deciphering these signals without manufacturer data is challenging but feasible, as demonstrated by resources like Dalathegreat’s GitHub repository.
Looking Ahead
While the proprietary nature of Nissan’s electronics presents a significant challenge, adopting open-source principles could greatly enhance the efficiency of electric vehicle conversions. This would not only accelerate innovation but also foster more sustainable practices within the automotive industry.
Acknowledgements
A special thanks to Mikael Snaprud, Bernhard Fäßler, Davide Carnelos, Andreas Habberstad, Vikas Thakur, and the bachelor group for their invaluable support and the chance to contribute to this exciting project.
Visit https://e-trac.no/ to access the experience transfer document.