“Electron Guzzler” - 1985 GMC Griffon Van

Continuing the posts on the Griffon Electric vans that were imported into the United States, here we have one of those 36 test vans that has fortunately survived and is in private hands. These are super rare vans, the first one I found for sale in California and this one is located in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. The owner, John Fletcher, has nick named it the “Electron Guzzler”. This one has a sliding side door that was also a rare factory option. The EV web page where this van was posted was last updated in 2009, so we don't know the current state of this Griffon.

"Vehicle: 1985 GMC Griffon Basically a British Bedford CF2 Electric built with left-hand drive and badged "Griffon" for the import to the U.S.
- Motor: Lucas MT-305 Separately Excited DC 216V, 40kW continuous
- Drivetrain: "Direct drive" 1.92:1 step-down via chain/sprocket drive from motor shaft to driveshaft. 4.89:1 rear axle ratio.
- Controller: Lucas Mark 4A Large box sitting where engine would have been. Solid early 1980s technology. Very effective variable regenerative braking.
- Batteries: 36 Interstate U-2000, 6.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded Original traction batteries were Chloride tubular plate type. Nice batteries from what I hear, but were long gone by the time I got this van. System Voltage 216 Volts Charger Zivan NG3 Also use a homebrew variac-based charger (120V input) for occasional mild equalizing charges
- Heater: Currently none
- DC/DC Converter: Lucas 216V nominal input, 14V output @ 25A max.
- Instrumentation Stock: - Speedometer - Battery SOC meter I've added: - +/- 250A ammeter to measure motor current (forward and regen) - Battery pack voltmeter Would like to add soon: - E-meter for more accurate SOC readings
- Top Speed: 55 MPH (88 KPH)
- Acceleration: Direct drive means good acceleration up to about 35 mph. Takes a while to get up to 50-55 mph unless you are going downhill. Doesn't take uphills at high speed.
- Range: 40 Miles (64 Kilometers) Have never taken it that far, but stock SOC meter indicated plenty of battery capacity remaining after a 20 mile drive.
- Watt Hours/Mile: 800 Wh/Mile A rough estimate... will have more solid numbers in the future. 
- Seating Capacity: In normal configuration with batteries in tray: 4 passengers (plus driver) In current temporary configuration with bench seat removed: 1 passenger (it's the largest 2-seater EV on the road).

This van is currently in temporary configuration with the batteries inside on the bed (original bench seat removed). There is an original battery tray that hangs underneath the chassis. When I've painted the battery tray, I'll put the batteries back in it and re-install the bench seat.

Side mirrors are GM, not original Bedford. This van originally had Bedford mirrors, but a previous owner replaced them with the GM units.

Will post more photos of the interior when I've moved the batteries back into the tray, replaced the seat, and cleaned up the interior somewhat.

Thanks to my friend Dick Potteiger for spending hours restoring the long-neglected exterior paint finish."

Source: http://www.evalbum.com/2795