The Conceptor Electric G-Van is the first electrically powered, certified vehicle (complying with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards), to go into line production in North America.

The production build of the vehicle commenced in September 1990. 

The Electric G-Van is designed by Vehma International of which Conceptor Industries Inc. is the manufacturing division. The basis for the vehicle is a General Motors 'G' van shell, produced on the existing 'G' van production line, and an electric propulsion system developed in England from the GM Griffon by Chloride Limited EV Systems Division 

In terms of vehicle systems, the steering and brakes are power assisted using an electric motor with control box. The optional A/C system is also powered by its electrical motor with control box. The heater is energized using diesel fuel. A newly designed range selector is installed using standard GM driver controls. The new transmission is a single speed, forward and reverse, gear driven unit of 1.85:1 ratio. A new axle of conventional design but with rear facing differential, and a new prop shaft are installed.

The interior is identical to a regular production 'G' van except for the instrument cluster which houses some different gages. All interior controls are located in identical positions to the conventional vehicle.

The exterior is visually identical except for the battery pack which is secured to the under floor between the front and rear wheels. A substantial ground clearance of 7" is maintained. 

Two sub frames are added to the vehicle. The front sub frame - assembly bolts to existing engine mount locations (front) via new mounting brackets and to an existing cross member (rear). It is rubber mounted to isolate shock loadings from the components. The rear sub frame assembly mounts to existing under floor rails (front) and to existing bumper bracket locations on the under floor rails (rear). The traction motor and transfer case assembly are rubber mounted to the sub frame.

Secured to the front sub frame are the vehicle controller, the P/S-P/B motor with its control box, the heater, the range selector and the optional A/C module and all appropriate wiring harnesses.

Secured to the rear sub frame are the traction motor, the transfer case, the heater fuel tank and all appropriate wiring harnesses.

The battery pack is secured to front hanger brackets which are welded to the existing under floor rails and to rear hanger brackets which are bolted to existing under floor mounting locations. The rear hanger brackets also act as supports for the fronts of the rear leaf springs.

The top speed of the Electric G-van is 55 m.p.h. The vehicle range will vary depending on driving conditions, but is 60 miles for the J227a 'C' Urban Cycle at a test weight of 7800 pounds, with battery temperature at 25 deg C. The payload is approximately 1500 pounds for the cargo version and approximately 900 pounds for the passenger version with a gross vehicle weight of 8600 pounds for each version. The full cargo volume as provided by the conventional vehicle is available because the battery pack is installed below the floor.

The vehicle's normal electrical equipment takes its supply from a 12 volt auxiliary battery (mounted under the hood) which is maintained at the correct state of charge by the vehicle controller. New electrical harnesses have been designed and existing ones modified to tie in with the drive system.

Battery pack charging is carried out by means of an off-board Chloride charger. A charge takes approximately 8 hours depending on the state of charge of the pack. ‘Opportunity charging' may take considerably less time.

The Electric G-van provides smooth, step less control of speed and is designed for frequent start/stop operation. No warming up of the propulsion system is required prior to moving off.