Sparky Solar-Powered Car

[johnnnyreb51]

Bottom line, COST stops us from going solar. Why should I pay $30,000 for a $10,000 pail of parts when I can save the money and drive my old van ten more years

[gio70v]

Richard.. you are a great guy !!

[Linkk22]

@RaysElectronics4 Time to work on a Mr. fusion-like gadget to power our cars?

[georgel19841]

he farts that is his global warning

[mindround]

I love the fact more people are trying to go solar. It worries me that more people aren't doing this very same thing.  We have the technology to make a solar powered car. Why aren't we?

[levitasetan]

how much is it to replace the batteries? and how often should it be done?

[corvette6698512]

Neat car, Its parked at a friend of mines place from time to time charging up. Have fun.

[01lombardi]

Hi Richard,

I just started a company dedicated, very much like you, to educating, promoting and distributing renewable resource based systems. If you would be interested in partnering or consulting please respnd.

Thanks, Anthony

[shannden]

richard is my grandpa. he bought sparky then turned him into an electric car.

[coolmamac]

@shannden

Shannden your G-pa is cool!

[katchupoy01]

Richard,

Great video. I too have a 71 beetle that I converted to 84 volts. Cost is around 4,500, including car and battery.

Question. why do you have to shorten your bug? Is this really necessary? or you got the car already shortened before the conversion?

[shannden]

Dear Katchup

It wasn't necessary at all.  I just thought it looked cute

Richard

[tonofshit]

Cool Vid!! Contrats Richard!! No mention in these comments, but SPARKY has also been radically shortened. That kind of custom work must have cost a bundle (not including the drive). I'd sure like info on resources for converting old VW "Bugs" to electrics ... or what are know as VoltsWagons. I've got a '56 (oval window, ragtop) Bug that is also a custom (chop top). It used to have a hi performance engine ... now it has no engine and I want it electrified. GOT INFO???  Thanks!!

[namron11111]

Hello Richard, As a frozen Manitoban up here in Canada I wonder if Sparky would be viable in -30C ? I keep trying to convince folks here to try the change but find they are unsure of the longevity of the batteries and the carbon foot print the manufacturing of the batteries impose on this change to electric motion. As for me, I am in the process of acquiring a vehicle that I would like to convert. All I need is the info on how to start and the material I will need. Thanks for your time. Norm

[ClanDemented]

nice video richard.

way too look ahead, waaaay ahead.

[yudhakorea]

great video sir!!!! you're the man!!! save the earth!!  well done!!!

[gravelydude1423]

Richard, I think that you'll find that the costs of conversion are about $6-8,000 for a bug, not including labor. I am doing a VW bus right now (probably $10,000 in parts). Great video!! Why don't you show your solar panels?? Jack

[hawaiidoves]

Richard, please keep up the good work!!!

[shannden]

Dear Max,

It cost me about $6,000, but that was 10 years ago. I think the costs have come down substantially. I guy recently emailed me and said he converted his VW for $1200. I find that hard to believe, but i really don't know. I've asked him to reply how, but, as yet, have not received a reply.

Richard

[maxwellmovies]

Perfect, thanks for making this, how much did sparkey cost? I want a car, but i dont want a petrol or diesel car.