Thunderstruck VCU

The Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) converts throttle, direction, and brake inputs into CAN bus messages that control the electric vehicle's inverter/motor controller. It has been designed to work with the Nissan Leaf Gen1 (2011-12), Gen2 (2013-17) and Gen3 (2018+), the UQM-Danfoss PowerPhase® HD system and Coda UQM inverters.

When using the Nissan Leaf drive systems, the VCU does not control the Nissan distribution power supply or battery management system. If you need a DCDC, BMS, or charger, please see our [Chargers], [DCDC], and [Battery Management] sections,

Inverter configuration is required for UQM systems. Refer to the Installation and Operation Manual P/N 87510-011 and the CANbus Interface Manual P/N 87510-009 from UQM-Danfoss Technologies. No inverter configuration is required for Leaf inverters.

The serial cable is required for configuration and troubleshooting and can be used with other components purchased from ThunderStruck. Other cables can be used as long as they meet the following FTDI specification: TTL-232R-5V-AJ

The accessory kit contains the components and connections between the VCU and the choke, precharge circuit, main contactor, and directional switch (see the "Included Components" tab). The component wires have attached connectors and are labeled for easy installation.

The accessory kit saves you a lot of time and doesn't cost much more than the components themselves. It saves us time on the phone answering questions about how to connect it. Please contact us for more information.

Here is a very interesting video by Ben Nelson about bench testing of the Nissan Leaf/VCU system using a high-voltage DC power supply:

[VCU Bench Testing]

• *Updatefrom 2023

Check out this great video by Frank Graffanino showing his setup for bench testing a Nissan Leaf engine. Frank uses our VCU with an accessory kit that simplifies assembly. Translated with the help of www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Components included in the kit

• Vehicle control unit (VCU)
• Connectors (6 and 8-pin Harting)
• Wire release tool for connectors
• Low-voltage wires (4' long, different colors)
• DPDT forward-neutral-reverse (FNR) switch with 10 kΩ separation resistor
• Termination resistor 120 ohms

Also included in the optional accessory kit (available separately)

• Hall throttle pedal
• Main contactor
• Precharge resistor
• Precharge relay
• Ready-made connections between engine control unit, throttle valve, precharge circuit, contactor, FNR switch
• Connections are labeled for easy installation

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