Good to see these old EVs being brought back to life. From the 60s to the 90s, a lot of small companies did these conversions (a few even did completely original vehicles like the Commutacar), but they often end up rusting in a driveway after the batteries die.
Reminds me of an electric Renault R8 I saw in Iowa. It was badged "Mars II" and was for sale. This was almost a decade ago though... wow, time flies.
Heya - proud owner of the van here. Mark, you are a miracle worker. VERY happy to see this!
Yes, there were about 200 (or so I'm told) Subaru 600's converted to Electravans by Jet Industries out of Austin from '79-'81. They also made a larger van and a couple of cars, one being a ford escort. I'd always wanted a 360 but when this little dude came along I couldn't pass it up.
Now, worth saying that there's a real 360 van EV conversion out there - Tony in CT. There's a vid I'd love to see!
We in Europe,no not the pop group,know this mini van but only as a Suzuki mini van with a real fuel engine but the bumper , the headlights are different and the rear lights are different placed.
The car on the video is almost a small European version of the Toyota Hi-ace van.
Nice to see this, this is very different for sure. Hopefully the owner will eventually get rid of the passenger side slider rust stripe, but I'm interested in his plans.
Good to see these old EVs being brought back to life. From the 60s to the 90s, a lot of small companies did these conversions (a few even did completely original vehicles like the Commutacar), but they often end up rusting in a driveway after the batteries die.
Reminds me of an electric Renault R8 I saw in Iowa. It was badged "Mars II" and was for sale. This was almost a decade ago though... wow, time flies.
Threetails 3 weeks ago
Ah, you should have shown us how you freed up those frozen wheels - that's useful information! It will be interesting to see how the van turns out.
k8zhd 1 month ago
@k8zhd .....You would have heard a lot of cussing for sure
2stroketurbo 1 month ago
Heya - proud owner of the van here. Mark, you are a miracle worker. VERY happy to see this!
Yes, there were about 200 (or so I'm told) Subaru 600's converted to Electravans by Jet Industries out of Austin from '79-'81. They also made a larger van and a couple of cars, one being a ford escort. I'd always wanted a 360 but when this little dude came along I couldn't pass it up.
Now, worth saying that there's a real 360 van EV conversion out there - Tony in CT. There's a vid I'd love to see!
djbills 1 month ago
ring ding ding
12valvepower1 1 month ago
humm.. a "glider" never heard that term before.. I have several "gliders" hahaha
1963impala2dr 1 month ago
We in Europe,no not the pop group,know this mini van but only as a Suzuki mini van with a real fuel engine but the bumper , the headlights are different and the rear lights are different placed.
The car on the video is almost a small European version of the Toyota Hi-ace van.
GoliathAngelus 1 month ago
Nice to see this, this is very different for sure. Hopefully the owner will eventually get rid of the passenger side slider rust stripe, but I'm interested in his plans.
GuruMN 1 month ago
@GuruMN I know the owner plans to install lithim Ion batteries.....that will shave 1000 lbs off the curb weight ...just like that
2stroketurbo 1 month ago
Now that looks like a great little van for sure!
kb1nyd 1 month ago
Funny they'd have heavier brakes on the EV... sweet van though!
SvenDansk7 1 month ago
@SvenDansk7 ....it weighs 3350 lbs, ! 360 van weighs 1300 lbs
2stroketurbo 1 month ago
@2stroketurbo Wow, it's as heavy my '95 GSX with a full tank of gas. It looks SO TINY! I bet it doesn't even sway in hurricane winds.
Jafromobile 1 month ago
Nice looking van. I've never seen one in person.I'd love to see more of this.
Seattlecarnut 1 month ago
I've never seen a electra van! Cool van and looking forward to seeing more of it.
ncautoman57 1 month ago