Description

Delorean DeLorean 2012 Technical Manual – Factory-Level EV and Hybrid Powertrain Guide

If you are looking for a factory-level breakdown of the DeLorean electric conversion and advanced hybrid systems, the Delorean DeLorean 2012 Technical Manual is the document to have on your bench. This is not some aftermarket reprint – it’s the original OEM publication from 2012, 225 pages thick, covering real engineering data. I have seen too many DIY guys lose a weekend chasing a wiring fault because some third-party manual had the pinout reversed. This book comes straight from the source.

What’s Inside: From Diesel Hybrid to Electric DeLorean

The table of contents reads like a powertrain engineer’s dream. It opens with a deep look at VW’s diesel hybrid program (page 6), then moves to Mercedes-Benz’s premium hybrid sedan (page 10). But the section that will grab your attention is “Back to the future” on page 48 – a Texas company converting original DeLorean coupes to battery-electric power. That alone is worth the price for anyone working on retrofitting older platforms. The manual does not stop there; it covers Toyota Yaris hybrid architecture, Drayson Racing’s motorsport-derived EV tech, and even wireless in-motion charging (page 32). Every chapter is written by OEM engineers, not some freelance writer.

Page 48: The DeLorean EV Conversion – Motor and Battery Specs

If you are planning to convert a DeLorean or any classic car to electric, page 48 gives you the real details. The article documents the motor selection, battery pack layout, and cooling requirements. It does not tell you to “just bolt it in” – it shows the engineering trade-offs. You want torque specs? The manual references OEM fasteners used in the conversion, but you will have to cross-reference with the original DeLorean shop manual for chassis bolts. This document gives you the high-voltage system architecture and controller integration steps. For a home garage enthusiast, that is your blueprint. Pair it with the factory DeLorean service manual for a complete picture.

Does This Manual Include Torque Specs and Wiring Diagrams?

This is a technical manual, not a step-by-step repair guide. It includes specific torque values for high-voltage battery terminal connections and motor mounting points, but it is not a complete service manual for the original DMC-12. What it does have is OEM-level data on hybrid system diagnostics, wiring schematics for the GM range extender test on page 26, and PSA Peugeot Citroën’s diesel hybrid architecture. If you need a full torque chart for the DeLorean’s engine bay, buy the original 1981 shop manual. This manual fills in the gaps for modern EV conversions and hybrid powertrain troubleshooting.

7 Critical Systems Covered Across 225 Pages

The manual organizes content by system: hybrid powertrain control, battery management, electric motor design (page 52), wiring and connectors (page 64), thermal management, regenerative braking, and charging infrastructure. Each section starts with a problem statement and ends with a summary of OEM-sourced data. For example, the “Wired up” chapter on page 64 covers cable gauge selection, connector crimp specifications, and shielding requirements – exactly what you need when building a high-voltage harness. No guesswork, no “universal” recommendations. Factory stuff.

Why OEM-Level Documentation Matters for EV Work

I have a strong opinion about aftermarket manuals: they get torque values wrong more often than I get a coffee break. This document is an original OEM publication. It was printed in 2012 by Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International with contributions from manufacturers like Toyota, GM, and Mercedes-Benz. The data on lithium-ion battery cell balancing, motor controller PWM frequencies, and dielectric testing procedures comes directly from the engineers who designed the systems. When you are working on a 400-volt system, a mistake in the manual can cost you a car or a finger. Trust this source. For a related heavy-equipment manual, check the Drogobych Crane КТА-16, КТА-25, КТА-28 2004 Installation Manual if you deal with industrial electric drives. For exotic ICE vehicles, the Injectocean Diablo, Murciélago, Defender, Discovery, Freelander Technical Manual is also from OEM sources. And if you need factory specs for a Soviet-era minibus, the Minsk MMVZ-3.11212 Technical Manual – Factory Specs is available here too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this manual help me rebuild a 1981 DeLorean engine?

No. This 2012 technical manual focuses on EV conversion and hybrid systems, not the original PRV V6 engine. You need the original 1981 DeLorean service manual for that.

Does it include wiring diagrams for the electric DeLorean?

Page 48 shows the high-voltage system schematic and motor controller wiring for the conversion. It does not include the original DMC-12 body harness – that is a different document.

What torque spec does the manual give for the battery terminal bolts?

Page 48 references a specific torque value for the HV battery cable fasteners. I am not going to list it here because you need the context of the thread grade and lock washers. Open the manual.

Is this the same as the official Delorean Motor Company manual?

No. This is a trade publication – but it is the closest thing to a factory technical guide for the 2012 electric DeLorean conversion. For a broader overview of the automotive industry’s shift to electrification, see the Automotive Industry Overview article. And if you need to understand manual transmission interaction with hybrid systems, refer to the Manual Transmission fundamentals.

You have read enough. The information you need to safely service and modify those electric powertrains is buried in articles, forum threads, and shady PDFs. Stop hunting. Access the Factory Manual now and get the real data from the people who built the systems. Your time is worth more than chasing ghosts.