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> It looks like they’re using Chrysler Pacificas which already have wheelchair ramp conversions from VMI and Braun. How common is this for other makes/models?

by creato 8y ago

> It looks like they’re using Chrysler Pacificas which already have wheelchair ramp conversions from VMI and Braun. How common is this for other makes/models? If it is rare, I wonder if it influenced Google's choice of vehicle?

a-wu 8y ago
In terms of minivans, most American makes and models have conversions from at least one of the conversion manufacturers. Braun even has a converted Ford Explorer. The one issue I can see is that Waymo is using Pacifica Hybrids which can't be converted because the floor of converted vans is lowered ~12-14 inches which gets in the way of the batteries. But I can't imagine it would hurt to use a handful of gas-powered vehicles.
- gwbas1c 8y ago
  The batteries are under the second row. This is where the 2nd row seats fold into the floor in a conventional Pacifica.
  - a-wu 8y ago
    Interesting. I think the lowered floor in a conversion still removes that space as there isn't a 2nd row of seats in a converted van.
dsfyu404ed 8y ago
Rear entry is probably going to have physical fitment issues depending on the amount of space in the chassis to work with. Minivans are pretty homogeneous now (it's not the late 80s anymore) so this isn't really an issue but I bet there's a model or two out there that are simply a no-go because some component that can't practically be relocated is in the way. Side entry is going to be able to fit a wider range of vehicles because the installation is less invasive so you can support more vehicles for cheaper (kind of like how a static webpage can be viewed on basically anything but a fancy web app has a narrower range of browsers). You can get a rear entry kit for pretty much every minivan that's on the market. You can get a side entry kit for that and more. I didn't bother checking but I know I've seen side entry but never rear entry kits on full size vans (also it makes sense that you can't put a rear entry kit on a full size van because there's a frame in the way). Fundamentally you're limited by head room. You can't have people smashing their faces into the top of the door opening. Google's choice was probably not influenced by the availability wheelchair van conversion kits.
- V99 8y ago
  The electronics for the self-driving are apparently in the trunk (the cars have a sticker on the back that says rear storage is not available) so a rear entry is not likely to happen.