In a workshop at the top of the range in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Phil Ward is performing a labour of love: restoring and electrifying his Citroen H van from 1969.
Citroen made H vans from 1948–1981. The side panels reminded me of steel garbage cans. Phil didn’t take offense but informed me that their design was inspired by “Luftwaffe” Junkers airplanes — strong and light.Phil has his electric motor ready to install. It came from a wrecked, low-mileage 2021 Tesla Model 3. He is now looking for a charging system and a Tesla battery to power the van. Installing the battery will be the last job.
phases over on the stator and change the wiring on the resolver — motor position sensor. It’s a whole ton of work. I asked why he’s doing it. “I love Citroens, I love the H van, and I love electric!”Phil has always loved design and pulling things apart. At the age of 8, he fell in love with the shape of the Citroen DS and bought a model car from Myers department store. He then sought out more information. He even inspired his father to get involved — buying the local Citroen dealership.