Beachman unveils electric 1970 Scout with manual transmission — InsideEVs

Canadian company Beachman has unveiled an electric version of the 1970 International Harvester Scout 800A SUV, retaining the original four-speed manual gearbox, low-range gear and all-wheel drive. The vehicle, which had stood in a field for years, is now used after conversion to deliver beer from a brewery in Toronto on warm summer days.

As InsideEVs reports, Beachman, known for producing electric bicycles, has opened a Special Vehicles Division to convert classic vehicles to electric power. Before the electric system was installed, the Scout was partially restored: rust was cut out of the driver's-side floor, the original white steel wheels were refurbished, the seats were reupholstered and the instrument panel was rebuilt.

Electric motor from a Nissan Leaf

The gasoline engine was removed from the SUV, while the rest of the drivetrain was left unchanged. A 147-horsepower, or 110 kW, electric motor from a 2019 Nissan Leaf was connected to the original manual gearbox using a special adapter plate. The vehicle retained its clutch pedal and gearshift lever.

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The 40 kWh battery was also taken from a 2019 Nissan Leaf. According to Beachman, the electric Scout has a range of 150 to 200 kilometers on a full charge. Charging from a Level 2 station takes about eight hours.

Conversion cost

During the modernization, a separate brake pump was installed because the electric motor does not idle and does not create vacuum for the old vacuum brake booster. The steering was also modified, and the instrument panel was adapted to display data from the electric system.

Beachman says conversions of vehicles with manual transmissions start at $25,000. Work on vehicles with automatic transmissions costs more because it requires removing the gearbox. The company estimates the conversion of a classic motorcycle to electric power at starting from $7,000.