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The ChimpTM

stand-up utility vehicle


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Gorilla Electric Vehicles - Specifications

Page Contents:
Gorilla Tires and Wheels
Gorilla Performance
Gorilla Dimensions
Gorilla Mechanical Specifications

Gorilla Electrical Specifications

Gorilla Weights and Capacities

Gorilla Battery and Charger Info.
Click on picture to see enlarged.
FoldingRacks.jpg (24401 bytes)

"FOLDING REAR RACK"
Opens to almost double size. 
Close for optional 'jump seat'

Gorilla Tires and Wheels:

The Gorilla can have many uses and personalities depending on tire and wheel selection.


Click to enlarge

Turf Tires
(far left)
20x7.0-8"
Made in USA
 
Knobby Tires
(on vehicle - left side)
20x7.0-8"
Made in USA
Road Tires (wide)
(on vehicle - right side)
5.70-8"
Made in USA
"US standard"
Heavy duty
Road Tires (narrow)
(far right)
5.70-8"
(imports)
Wide rims (w/1" offset) Wide rims (w/1" offset) Wide rims (w/1" offset) Narrow rims (centered)
Vehicle - 34.5" wide Vehicle - 34.8" wide Vehicle - 33.4" wide Vehicle - 30.5" wide
Primarily golf use, to minimized damage to turf.
Marginal traction off-road
Designed primarily for traction off-road, and easy turf use.  (Poor braking on paved surfaces.) Designed for use on paved surfaces like streets, runways, etc.
Mild off-road use.
Designed for use in close quarters on paved surfaces,  like warehouses, etc.
Paved surfaces shortens tire life - but still good. Poor life on paved surfaces.
( 350 lb. load capacity limits vehicle's load capacity.)
Excellent tire life on paved surfaces.
Thick carcass prevents lots of flats.
Good tire life on paved surfaces.
Caution:  ~  Never exceed the maximum pressure or load capacity printed on the side of the tire.  
Vehicle capacity, traction, and ride quality are varied by adjusting air pressure.  
All tires are tubeless type. 
More information about wheels under "Mechanical Specifications" below.

 

Gorilla Performance:

Top Speed: e-ATV 24, 24 volt version:  12 to 14 Mph*  
e-ATV 36, 36 volt version:  17 to 19 Mph*
* Varies with tire's rolling radius, and tire pressure.
Range:
24 volt vehicle:

25 to 35 miles with T-875, 8-volt batteries*
   
36 volt vehicle: 20 to 30 miles with 27TMH Group 27*
*
(see discussion under 'batteries' below).
Turning Circle: 15 to 17 feet, depending on tires
the Gorilla turns within this circle - pretty tight
Hill Climbing Ability: 30 degrees +  (less under load).  
Caution Notes:
~  Extra care should be taken with loads, as they could shift.  
~  Also, loads raise the center of gravity, which could cause instability and overturn.  
~  Avoid negotiating inclines on angles. - GO STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN INCLINES.

 

Gorilla Dimensions:

Width: 30.5" to 34.8" (see tire table above)
Height: 37.5" to 39"  depending on tires (to top of handlebars)
Length: 70" (the Long Bed adds 11" to this length)
Wheelbase: 49.5"
Front and Rear Track:
(tire center to tire center)
27.8" (with wide, offset wheels)
25.8" (with centered, narrow wheels)
Ground Clearance: 6" to 7.5"  depending on tires
7"+ with turf or knobby tires - plenty !

 

Gorilla Mechanical Specifications:

Brakes: 6.3" cast iron drums on both rear wheels, self-adjusting, non-asbestos linings.
Dual levers on handlebars (motorcycle type),
either or both levers control both rear brakes.

Now with "REGEN" Braking !  read more
 

Parking Brake: Hand operated automotive lever type (locking ratchet) to rear wheels.
Front Suspension: Independent, unequal length control arms.  Transverse leaf spring.  Urethane bushings.
Rear Suspension: Live axle with leaf springs.
Frame: Welded space frame of steel tubing, powder coated.
Rear Differential: ~14.5:1 helical gears (hi-efficiency), double reduction, oil bath, completely sealed aluminum housing. 
No belts, chains, adjustments, maintenance, or leaks.
Steering: Direct, with permanently lubed rod ends.
Wheels: 8" steel, welded and powder coated, 5.375" wide with 1" offset. (Narrow vehicle:  3.75" wide - centered.)
Wheel Bolt Pattern: 4 bolts on 4" bolt circle (1/2"-20 bolts, plated 3/4" hex-nuts).

 

Gorilla Electrical Specifications:

Electric Motor:
 
Traction type DC, SepEX (Separately Excited), heavy duty, "H-class" thermal rating, enclosed (for corrosion  and foreign object protection).
Direct coupled (splined) to rear axle (no need for a clutch).
(24 volt system) 6.5 HPpeak horsepower (24 volt version) ~4000 RPM
(36 volt system) 8.5 HPpeak, (36 volt version), ~5000 RPM
Torque 25 ft-lbs of torque from zero RPM. 
That's about 375 foot-pounds of torque at the rear wheels.
Watts: That's about 5000, and 6500 watts respectively,
(compare to the  250 to 400 watt scooters and bicycles).
 The Gorilla is not a toy.   
Electronic Motor Controller: Curtis  (environmentally sealed and heatsinked)
Accelerator: Hand twist control on handlebar (potentiometer type)
"fly-by-wire" (no cable to lubricate or break)

Provides signal to controller for infinitely variable motor speed.
Circuit Breaker: Thermal (current) sensing type, time delay action, manual reset (under seat).
Charger: Lester ferro-resonant, SCR controlled, 15 amp equivalent output to batteries - tapering, completely automatic (i,v,i, and dv/dt sensing type), UL approved.
Charging time:  up to 10 hours (depending on depth of discharge)
Input:  110 volt AC, 60 Hertz, single phase, 5 amps maximum.
Export Version Available (90 to 250 volts, 50 or 60 hertz).
See charger notes below for much more information.
Contactor: 100 amp continuous rating (sealed).
(used for battery isolation)
Timed Disconnect:
   (safety feature)
Disconnects battery when the accelerator is not used for more than ~ 5 minutes.  (Reset with keyswitch)
Charger Interlock
   (safety feature)
Kills or prevents starting the vehicle when the 110 volt charger is plugged into the wall outlet.
Reduced Speed Reverse
   (safety feature)
50% of forward speed..
Reverse Gear Annunciator
   (safety feature)
Beeps when reverse gear is energized (about 90db).

NOTE:  A 107 db version is an option (for industrial use).

Emergency Kill Button:
  
(safety feature - OPTION)
Disconnects battery (electronically). 
[
Red Button on dash]
Reset by turning the keyswitch "off" then back to "on".
Instrumentation: ~ Curtis LED Battery Charge Status Indicator (decrementing with 10 LEDs).  
~ Instrument panel Green "Power-On" light
(green for 'ready-to-go').
  
NOW INCLUDES ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS
(signals with the dash-mounted, "power-on" light)
Keyswitch 
 
Marine rated, sealed, waterproof and dustproof.
 
Forward/Reverse
Switch:
Marine rated, sealed, waterproof and dustproof.
Horn 24 volt, 95db, [Yellow raised button on dash].
Lighting (options) All 24 volt (except headlights are 36 volt on the 36 volt model)
Turn Signals and Hazard Lights
       (option)
Self-canceling.  Hazard lights flash until turned off.

 

Gorilla Weights and Capacities:

Gorilla Weight (net): 351 pounds (160 kg)  (without batteries, or accessories)
Battery Weight: 8 Volt Golf Cart Batteries: 
3x63 = 189 pounds (24 volt version)

12 Volt (27 Series) batteries:
3x60 = 180 pounds (36 volt version)
With the three 8-volt batteries, the Gorilla will total about 540 pounds, add another 17 to 22 pounds for beds or racks.
Caution Note:
~ Remember that the batteries provide "overturn ballast".  So, in heavy-duty applications, we recommend the max battery weight for added safety.
GVWR:
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
1190 pounds (540 kg)  (do not exceed tire rating, see knobby specs).
Load Capacity: 650 pounds (includes driver weight)
That would be a 450 pounds rear payload (assuming a 200 lb driver).
The front can carry 200 lb (if the overall  GVWR is not exceeded).
Caution Notes
:  
~ Reduce speed under load and exercise increased caution. 
   Braking distances will be greater.
~ Loads can shift.  Make sure cargo is adequately secured.
~ Center of gravity will probably be higher, so it will be easier to overturn the vehicle.
~ Never exceed tire capacity stated on sidewalls.  
Towing Capacity: 4000 pounds  (on level ground)
Caution Notes:
~ Towed loads greater than the Gorilla's weight, should provide their own braking.
~ Tongue weight should never exceed 250 pounds or the vehicle or  tire's rated capacity
(whichever is lower).
~ Towbars should be parallel with the ground.
~ Capacity should be greatly reduced on inclines.  (Braking power will be greatly reduced on down hills, longer braking distances will be required.
Instability could cause rollovers or jack-knifing.)
~ Inclines should only be negotiated at right angles (straight up and down the incline).

 

Gorilla  Battery and Charger Information:

The On-Board Chargers are designed to automatically charge lead-acid batteries.
The US version chargers (110v, 60 hertz) plug into any grounded outlet and are UL approved.  All versions are "isolated and grounded," have a "soft-start,"  and are SCR regulated to prevent excessive or runaway current draw.

24-volt:  The 24 volt charger has a switch for choosing between sealed and flooded charging algorithms.

36-volt:  The 36 volt charger (at this time) can only be used for charging flooded lead-acid batteries.

An export version is available
:
The 24 volt export version can be used with either 50 or 60 hertz, and from 90-125/180-250 volts
(switch-able ranges)(A female receptacle on the charger is the same standard as used on all computers, so that cords used in any country can be purchased locally.)


Battery Selection: 
Suggested batteries include 8 volt deep cycle "golf cart" batteries, or 12 volt deep cycle batteries (24, 27, 29, 30, or 31 series)

We feel the optimal battery configuration for the 24 volt Gorilla is three 8-volt golf cart batteries.  These batteries provide the best compromise of performance, range, life, and economy (see range analysis below), and provide three to five years of use (with proper maintenance).  
(These batteries have been used in Club Car golf carts for almost ten years.)

Battery Capacity Chart and Range Analysis
Type Minutes @ 25 amps Minutes @ 75 amps  Weight (pounds)
Trojan T-875, 8 volt 
standard on e-ATV 24
300 75 63 x 3 batteries = 189
Trojan 27 series, 27TMH, 12 volt
standard on e-ATV 36
200 52 60 x 3 batteries = 180
Special order OPTIONS:      
Trojan T-890, 8 volt  360 90 69 x 3 batteries
Trojan 31 series, 31XHS or SCS225, 12 volt 225 57 67 x 2 batteries
Trojan T1275, 12 volt 290 102(@56 amps) 82 x 2 batteries

The 24-volt Gorilla draws about 40 amps* from the batteries (at top speed, and on level ground).  Looking at the data for the T-875 batteries; you could average the 300 and 75 minute ratings (at 25 and 75 amps respectively) to get 187.5 minutes  at 50 amps.  (This is a conservative approach (we know about Peukert's Curve)).
Divide the 187 minutes by 60 minutes
(1 hour), and see that the Gorilla should run for over 3 hours at top speed (3 hours X 15 Mph 45 miles).  When we consider terrain, hills, turns, stop and go driving, load, etc; the Gorilla should still easily get a 25 to 35 mile range with the 8-volt batteries.  This has been experimentally confirmed with field testing.

You can use this same analysis to see what to expect from other batteries.
*  The 36-volt version pulls about 50 amps at top speed.  Hence, less range,  ~20 to 25 miles of flat cruising.

Other Battery Factors:
Sealed vs. Flooded:  
Sealed batteries require no periodic maintenance, but will cost more initially, have less range, and a shorter life span
(in years).
We challenge sealed battery manufacturers to prove us wrong.

Flooded batteries will need to be "topped-off" with distilled water every one to three months depending on outside temperature, relative humidity
(more frequent watering is required in desert  climates), depth of discharge, frequency of use, and charger power (Gorilla's "smart" charger is designed to minimize water usage).

8-volt deep cycle ~ versus ~ 12-volt "quasi-deep cycle" batteries:
The 8-volt battery is a true deep cycle battery (just like 6-volt golf and industrial vehicle batteries).  You can expect the 8-volt batteries to have a life of between 3 and 6 years (depending on harshness of use, depth of discharge, frequency of use, and proper maintenance).

We call the 12 volt deep cycle batteries "quasi" because they are a compromise between a deep cycle battery and a starter battery (there are a few exceptions and you'll pay for them).   You can expect a life of from as little as one year, and up to three or four years. 
Life of the 12 volt batteries depends on the factors listed above, and the initial quality of the battery. 
Deep cycle batteries are more expensive to manufacture.  Their plates should be thicker than starter batteries, and other costly elements (such as antimony) are added to prolong their life.  Some battery manufacturers don't spend the extra money.

The Trojan 12-volt deep cycle batteries listed above are a good compromise for people who don't need the range of the 8-volt batteries, but want more speed.

*Note:  Only two (of most brands) of the group 31 batteries will fit in the Gorilla.  Also, only two of the T1275 batteries will fit.
These options are limited to the 24 volt vehicles.