Unusual Freightliner Electric Step Van with Tesla Roadster Batteries Found on Facebook Marketplace
The Autopian recently came across a peculiar listing on Facebook Marketplace – a 15-year-old Freightliner electric step van powered by Tesla Roadster batteries. This unusual vehicle caught their attention due to its unique history and specifications.
The Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation, a division of Daimler, developed this electric step van chassis in 2010 as part of their electrification efforts during the Recession era. The van utilizes Tesla’s 53 kilowatt-hour battery pack, similar to those found in the Tesla Roadster, with each module containing 2,000 cells and weighing 300 pounds.
The van was designed for low-speed urban deliveries, with a claimed range of 100 miles, which was adequate for its intended purpose at the time. However, the electric drive unit only produced 120 kW of power, equivalent to approximately 161 horsepower, considering the chassis had a gross vehicle weight rating between 14,000 and 19,500 pounds.
Morgan Olson, a step van coachbuilder, created a reasonably streamlined body for this chassis, making it look more modern compared to traditional step vans. Unfortunately, this particular van is not operational, with the seller stating that it’s not running and the batteries aren’t reading on the gauges.
The van features a unique four-pin charging connector from the Tesla Roadster, requiring an adapter for modern charging. The asking price is $60,000, which raises questions about its value considering its condition and the availability of more modern electric vans like the Rivian Delivery 500.
Despite its drawbacks, this van holds historical significance as an early example of electric vehicle technology and collaboration between major automotive companies. For the right collector or enthusiast, it could be a valuable addition to their collection, especially for those interested in the evolution of electric vehicles.
The article concludes that while the van may not be worth the asking price for most people, it remains an interesting piece of automotive history. The Autopian’s coverage of this unique vehicle highlights the surprises that can be found on platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
