Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

Cedric, running two 12V batteries in series will give you the 24V required for the starter motor.

The rest of the vehicle's electrics remain on 12V (lights, radio, aircon compressor, etc.) that is acquired by by tapping a supply off one of the batteries only. I guess you could also tap 12V off the other battery for your fridge if you like living dangerously?

BTW: The Delco Remy 21 SI that I installed is also available in a 24V version. The vacuum bit it does not have

Starter motor - 24V
Lights - 24V
Radio - 12V

Dis mos a trok:-)

I had a look under a Nissan Leaf's bonnet the other day, and it also has a 12V battery in there to drive things like car radio, wipers, sat-nav, (LED) head-lights, central locking, etc.

The 12V battery is charged from the main battery via a DC-DC converter, and also has a small solar panel to assist. There's no alternator to worry about, but the main battery pack costs around R75k to manufacture.

Imagine what the dealers are going to charge for a replacement on that one!

Have seen many vehicles run 24v for alternator , starter and glow plugs with 12v switching for the rest
Some Mercedes trucks run 24v for start only and then switch over everything to 12v

So a lot of options are possible , Adrian you will probably have more luck finding that alternator or parts for it with the trucking guys , 24v with vacuum pump for brakes is not uncommon

I finally got around to replacing my alternator this afternoon. Turns out it is the same unit as used on a UD40 Nissan Cabstar truck. R2000.00 from Breno parts.