eBay find of the day: Ford Ranger EV that doesn't run right now
If you're looking to get into an all-electric truck soon - and don't mind doing a bit of work - then eBay has got the Ford Ranger EV for you. The current bid on the 1998 truck is $4,000, but the reserve isn't met and there are over six days left. If you think that price if a bit low, the seller's vehicle description explains why: "The battery pack on this truck is depleted and the truck does not run. It was running perfectly until June 26th, 2008 when the battery pack wore out."
Still, for the price of some new batteries, you could be driving around in a zero-emission truck with "QUIETER" on the license plate and a iPod-ready Sony CD sound system in the clean interior. Perhaps more importantly, an HOV access lane sticker is included and you'll never need to go get a smog check if you keep the truck in California. The truck has 61,000 miles on it and is in Santa Cruz, California. The seller is throwing in two 220V 40 amp Avcon charging stations. h/t to Mike!
Gallery: 1998 Ford Ranger EV
[Source: eBay]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Phil L. 5:43PM (7/01/2008)
This one looks interesting - appears to be in nicer shape than many similar EVs that show up on eBay. I hope the bidding meets reserve.
It does appear that replacing the batteries will involve some work. I wonder if a conversion from 8V VRLA to 12V batteries (perhaps with some construction other than VRLA) could mean that the Avcon chargers can't be used (or might require reprogramming, etc.). Is anyone here familiar with charger issues for such conversions?
My only annoyance: Interesting EVs like this rarely show up on the east coast of the US. Shipping and the hassles of a cross-country transaction have been enough to keep me just dreaming about finding a vehicle like this.
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Christopher 11:31PM (7/09/2008)
If anyone knows the person who bought this, please ask them to post a reply here to report progress. I am especially interested to know what the battery upgrade cost - the original price was $20k, and they are 8v lead-acid, not easy to find. It is likely the battery pack is completely worn out, the original service interval was 50k. If the total cost of putting this back on the road is $48k, it's no bargain.
Wave54 7:01PM (7/01/2008)
Much nicer than most of the rusted relics that have been seen on eBay lately -- you could actually end up with a very nice vehicle with a battery replacement.
Anyone know what the original range on a full charge was when these were new? The seller claims 30-50 miles.
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Sebastian 10:00PM (7/01/2008)
Wave54 - the wiki says 65 miles with NiMH
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Ranger_EV
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Phil L. 9:42AM (7/02/2008)
Hmmm -
The seller claims original battery pack was VRLA, not NiMH. Does that sound right? Perhaps the dead VRLA pack is itself a replacement for a NiMH pack?
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Phil L. 5:08PM (7/09/2008)
Well, it met reserve and sold for $14.8K. I hope the new owner gets it on the road soon.
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paul Bryant 4:24PM (1/14/2009)
I have a 1998 Ranger ev. It has been a great truck!
I am considering selling it due to financial neccessity. It is located 1 hour North of Boston. If anyone is interested you can contact me at paubryant100@hotmail.com
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