EV Brumby/Brat
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1990 Subaru Brumby EV Conversion 
Vehicle
• 1990 Subaru Brumby
• Original Subaru manual gearbox retained
• Original dual-range 4WD retained
• Selectable 2WD / 4WD still functions exactly as factory
• High and low range both operational
• Clutch deleted EV Drivetrain
• Nissan Leaf motor, inverter and charger
• Brat Industries adapter plate and spline coupler
• Resolve EV control system
• Tesla iBooster electric brake booster
• Hyundai i30 electric power steering Battery System
• Originally converted using a Nissan Leaf battery pack
• Upgraded to a 63 kWh YASTE CATL LiFePO₄ battery
• Battery installed inside the original Leaf battery case
• Original Leaf BMS retained
• YASTE CAN bridge used to allow communication between the battery system and vehicle controls Performance
• Approximately 80 kW power output
• Instant electric torque from 0 rpm
• 0–100 km/h measured at approximately 9 seconds
• Top speed not tested, but comfortably exceeds highway speeds Range
• Estimated 300–400 km depending on driving conditions
• Highway speeds, towing and off-road use will reduce range Off-Road Ability
• Original Subaru dual-range transmission retained
• Original selectable 4WD retained
• Low range still available
• Instant electric torque works exceptionally well off-road Weight
• Current estimated vehicle weight around 1,285 kg
• Final certified weight still to be confirmed Charging
• AC charging operational
• DC fast charging hardware installed
• Solar charging compatible Current Issues
Like any custom EV conversion, there are still a few things being worked through.• Regenerative braking is currently not functioning correctly
• CHAdeMO fast charging is currently not functioning correctly
• The cause may be related to either the Nissan PDM or the YASTE CAN bridge
• Investigation is ongoing and I'll post updates as I learn more Conversion Cost
Approximately $30,000–35,000 AUD for the EV conversion itself, including battery, drivetrain components, engineering, fabrication and electrical systems. Why Convert It?
The goal wasn't to build the fastest EV. The goal was to keep everything that makes a Brumby a Brumby—dual-range gearbox, selectable 4WD and practicality—while giving it modern EV reliability, performance and range.It's still very much a development project, but it's now a fully drivable electric Brumby that retains the character and capability of the original vehicle.