re:
Roof raise? Anything is possible with enough money.
Increasing the height seems likely to increase windage, and you push a shoebox now.
Ahem.
re:
Diesel electric?
Instead of burning diesel to turn the tires, you will be burning diesel to turn a huge alternator to push DC into batteries to turn a motor to turn your tires.
Each stage of DE subtracts efficiency from losses at connectors and electronics and wiring and heat sinks.
I know DE sounds like a wonderful improvement == cover your van roof with PV? == but unless you go straight plug-in without on-board generation, your range is limited to around town for part of the day.
Would your on-board battery bank weigh less than the ICE you remove?
Diesel has a set amount of energy. For every horsepower you need to move your van, that energy needs to be extracted from the fuel, either diesel or batteries. To full batteries with current requires a fuel such as nuclear or hydro. Coal?
What are your goals for this conversion? Range will be limited. Accessories such as power steering need some form of energy, too.
You may want to consider going to a smaller van... or mebbe a rickshaw.
By all means, let us know how this works out for you.
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