Electric Vehicle

This is the first time my vehicle, a 1971 VW Super Beetle, ran on electric power. There is no gas engine in it, only an electric motor. It's only a first run, and just to test the motor.

The radio flyer being pulled behind is carrying the battery, connected to the motor with jumper cables. This was the only way to get the car to move more than about 6 feet.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• motor
• electric
• vehicle
• EV
• car
• beetle
• bug

[terrorist420x]

What kind of motor, controller, battery pack, and charger setup will you be using?

[akskier89]

ADC 8", Curtis 1221-C, donated lead-acid batteries (for now), K&W

[Odziz]

What is on the trailer ?

Keep video'in the project as I'd like to see how it progresses. Pity its not a bit longer as I could have posted it on our website. voltwagons dot com

[akskier89]

Will do. I had the motor in the back, but didn't have a place for the battery, so it's a 12-volt with jumper cables.

[SuperCarguy23]

Hey akskier, big fan of the car. I live in Anchorage and I'm trying to make an electric car too, maybe you could give me some pointers?

[herbienbrian]

lol, your getting there.

[MPaulHolmes]

I just finished a 1971 superbeetle EV conversion! It's really fun. The motor is a bit undersized, so it gets warm pretty easily, but it is very useful. My setup is 72v. The acceleration is good enough for around town. The car shakes really bad if I go over like 35 mph though (not because of the conversion).

[cougnit]

damn hippies

[LeviMan2001]

haha, i was searching for electric beetles then i noticed that its in anchorage, cool! (thats where i am)

[Bigjohnnywad]

WTF..It would take forever to get somewhere and people who make fun of you pulling a wagon behind your car...Come on..

[terrorist420x]

Just saw your austinev page. Those old batteries could be so dead that they don't work at all, or work well enough to give you a few miles range even. Don't expect them to last long, but they will prove your proof of concept. When you get the chance, you should consider building a Bonn charger, upgrading to a 96V pack of Trojan T105s, building custom regs with a zener diode and load, and doing efficiency mods. You'd have a conversion capable of 60+ miles range for cheap.

[terrorist420x]

A 96V pack would be good for about 65-70 mph top speed. A 72V pack would be good for 55-60 mph top speed.

It will be a rather slow performer, but around town it should be a very usable car. You should do aerodynamic modifications, low roling resistance tires, synthetic transmission oil, and other goodies to cheaply and substantially improve range and top speed when you get it going.