TIM CACHELIN October 15, 2024 Electric Vehicle Features TIM CACHELIN
The electric vehicle aftermarket is set for a transformative leap with Ampere EV’s Atom Drive Kit, an innovative solution designed to drastically simplify EV conversions. We found this kit addresses three critical pain points in the conversion process: programming and tuning, comprehensive engineering, and component compatibility.
One of the standout features of the Atom Drive Kit is that it requires no programming or tuning. Traditionally, EV conversions have been a domain for highly skilled technicians who could manage the intricate software and hardware integrations. However, Ampere EV has pre-configured all essential elements of the kit. The Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) comes pre-loaded with necessary torque maps, safety parameters, cooling loops, and charging protocols. These tunes and settings have been extensively tested on their two research and development mules, a Delorean DMC-12 and Factory Five 818.
With the Atom Drive System it is now possible to have a completely tested and tuned EV conversion without ever needing to crack open a laptop. This plug-and-play approach eliminates the need for specialized programming knowledge, making the conversion process accessible to a broader audience.
The kit is designed not as a series of parts, but rather a cohesive and flexible system that minimizes install time and maximizes performance.
Ampere EV has taken the guesswork out of the engineering process. The company has conducted exhaustive in-house engineering and testing, ensuring that every component meets stringent OEM-level standards. This includes touch-safe connections, high-voltage interlock, and even OBD2 diagnostics.
Furthermore, the kit includes industry-leading installation documentation and is backed by a responsive technical support team, providing installers and end-users with the confidence that any issues can be quickly resolved and their vehicle can return safely to the road.
The Atom Drive Kit is a comprehensive package that includes everything needed for an EV conversion. This all-in-one solution is designed with compatibility and ease of installation in mind, incorporating the following components:
High Voltage Junction Box: This integrates all high-voltage components, ensuring safe and efficient power distribution and effectively eliminates the need for most insulated tooling.
Battery Modules: Configurable with up to six modules for a total of 84 kWh, each featuring integrated asymmetrical chill plates, internal contactors, and an in-house designed BMS.
Level I/II Charger & DC Fast-Charging: In standard dress, the kit comes with a 6.6 kW onboard charger that includes a 1.5 kW DC-DC converter. CCS fast charging is currently available, with NACS fast-charging slated to be released before the end of the year.
Thermal Management Systems: Dedicated heating and cooling systems for both the battery modules and the motor, inverter, and charger—all controlled by the VCU.
High and Low Voltage Wiring Harnesses: Pre-terminated with automotive-grade connectors to simplify installation. Once you’ve decided where your components are to be mounted, measure the distance between them, and then send them to Ampere EV. In a few weeks you will receive custom tested harnesses for your specific application. If you’ve made your own harnesses in the past, you know what a huge time-saver this can be.
12V Power Distribution and Fuse Boxes: These components make it easy to integrate existing 12V systems with the new EV components.
Multiple Motor Options: The Atom Drive System is offered with several different motor options depending on the build you have in mind. These options include a Tesla Small Drive Unit, the Cascadia Motion iM-225 and iDM-190, the Maverick 25 Drive Unit, and the DANA TM4 SUMO MV800. Additionally, Ampere EV can work with you to integrate a new motor option in the Atom Drive System.
Drive Mode Selection and Touchscreen Interface: These provide modern control and user interface options for a seamless driving experience, including navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and easy access to diagnostics.
The kit is designed not as a collection of parts, but rather a cohesive system that minimizes install time and maximizes performance. Still, with multiple configuration options it still allows for flexibility in different vehicle types and configurations, from classic car conversions to performance EV builds.
Ampere EV’s engineering team is dedicated to thorough research and development, combining it with rigorous real-world testing. Ampere tests every powertrain component and calibration against leading OEM EVs for drivability and reliability. This innovative approach required exceptional test vehicles like the Factory Five 818 and the DeLorean DMC-12. I’ve had the privilege of driving both vehicles and can confidently say it was one of the most OEM aftermarket EV experiences I have had to date.
The Factory Five 818’s exoskeleton design made it ideal for product development, allowing for easy installation of new components. The DeLorean DMC-12, chosen for its iconic look and poor original drivetrain, became the Ampere 1—a show car featuring a 42kWh Atom Drive System and other advanced EV components that demonstrated the potential of classic chassis through electrification. Ampere EV won’t convert for you though, they are committed to enabling others to take on their own conversion through the Atom Drive System.
It is now possible to build a completely tested and tuned EV conversion without ever needing to crack open a laptop.
Ampere EV’s Atom Drive Kit is poised to revolutionize the EV aftermarket by addressing some of the most significant challenges in the conversion process. By eliminating the need for programming or tuning, completing all necessary engineering, and providing a comprehensive, all-inclusive kit, the Atom Drive Kit makes EV conversions more accessible and reliable. This innovation not only simplifies the process but also enhances the overall performance and safety of converted vehicles, paving the way for broader adoption of electric vehicles in the aftermarket sector. Oh, and did I mention it’s in stock and ready to ship?
For more information, visit AmpereEV.com and LegacyEV.com.