Would converting a Leaf into a small flatbed truck be feasible?

[LeftieBiker]

Though far from reality right now (funding is still not fully secured), Atlis says it hopes to launch the XT sometime in 2020. No pricing information is available at this time though.

[ripple4]

One was spotted in what think is Ukraine. I cannot read the titles so I cannot speak to the accuracy of the image or description, it came up in a google image search. the image shows a B-pillar I don't recognize to be from a normal 4-door leaf, if its custom, its very well done.

https://www.facebook.com/AUTORIAcom/pho ... =3&theater

What about the idea of doing a powertrain swap into a 4X4 1/2 ton pickup, so that you get the suspension of a truck the bed of a truck, lots of space to hang the battery, and the FWD hubs can be spliced onto the Nissan 1/2 shafts. I've seen body swaps on the leaf, someone put a pink sports car body on the leaf chassis, but you still have a leaf chassis if you do that, but the body reinforcement if any would be similar to putting a bed on the leaf. https://dannix.net/node/118

[alozzy]

Yeah, some reinforcement at the back of the cab would be important. I think a small electric truck like this would be super useful for a casual do-it-yourselfer like me. I don't usually need to haul a lot of weight, mostly it's awkward lumber or a few sheets of plywood or dirty garden materials like mulch or plants.

FWIW, I've towed a utility trailer similar to this with my LEAF, for short distances:

https://www.uhaul.com/Trailers/5x8-Util ... Rental/AO/

[cwerdna]

If you don't already have a particular wrecked Leaf in mind to start with, then you might want to try looking for a wrecked e-NV200 van instead.

That's might be tricky given that the e-NV200 isn't sold nor leased in the US. We have no idea where the OP lives since the location field isn't required.

OP, can you update your location info via your user name in the upper right > User Control Panel > Profile tab? That way, we don't need to ask in future posts/threads or do sleuthing to deduce it.

[stevegerber]

What I'm imagining is something a little like this:

https://goo.gl/images/8GBgAJ

So the front half of the Leaf would become a 2 seat cab and the back would just be an aluminum utility bed with removable sides for the bed. I'd want the bed to be as light as possible most of the time.

[LeftieBiker]

You have to look at 2013 and newer Leafs, because the onboard charger is in the back on older cars.

[GerryAZ]

What I'm imagining is something a little like this:

https://goo.gl/images/8GBgAJ

So the front half of the Leaf would become a 2 seat cab and the back would just be an aluminum utility bed with removable sides for the bed. I'd want the bed to be as light as possible most of the time.

That is what I wanted to do. In my case, I planned to mount the bed high enough to clear the onboard charger. I would have included a hinged panel to access the charger, coolant lines, electrical cables, and service disconnect. If you don't already have a project car, it would certainly be easier to use a 2013 or later. In any case, you need to make provisions to access the service disconnect (under the removable cover in front of the rear seat).

[RonDawg]

I've seen pickup trucks made out of just about everything that you didn't think COULD be made into a pickup truck:







So to answer the OP's original question: yes, it's possible, and perhaps feasible. It's all about how much effort you want to put into it.

[alozzy]

What I'm imagining is something a little like this:

https://goo.gl/images/8GBgAJ

So the front half of the Leaf would become a 2 seat cab and the back would just be an aluminum utility bed with removable sides for the bed. I'd want the bed to be as light as possible most of the time.

You might want to give EVWest or Polykup a phone call, if for no other reason that to bounce some ideas around. Looks like you are in Virginia, Polykup is in New Jersey so unfortunately not exactly right next door

You might be able to get them to convert a small truck to electric for you.

https://www.instagram.com/polykup/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDw-BllyFVE (Ford Ranger conversion, by EVWest)

http://www.evwest.com/catalog/vehicles.php (EVWest vehicle lineup)

[mikemn]

Here is the mechanics of doing a body swap on a leaf. It would at least give you a bit of understanding of what it takes to do extensive modifications. Granted, the front would stay a leaf, but there would still be a lot of welding, fabrication and designing on the fly to get a truck out of a leaf. Not impossible, but A LOT of work and would cost way more than you would expect if you have never done something like this before.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1736294869750476/

https://www.facebook.com/lukesmancave/