TheSamba.com :: View topic - Vanagon 100% electric with Chevy Bolt drivetrain

Thu Aug 15, 2019 10:13 pm

My zealotry is sophisticated enough to recognize the difference between inferior ICE swaps, and an advanced glimpse into the future.

Thu Aug 15, 2019 10:24 pm

Post up <or> drop a line (PM?) when you get close to Thunder Bay?
It's an easy day trip from here & I'd love to see your rig in person!

(...plus a night at Kakabeka Falls PP is always something to look forward to...)

8) 8) 8)

- Dave

Thu Aug 15, 2019 10:30 pm

To my liking its too much chassis cut to achieve a relatively low range EV. But interesting to see.

Fri Aug 16, 2019 2:02 am

Dayum impressive! Makes me wonder if I’ll ever need the three 2.1L waterboxers I have stockpiled in the shop!

Fri Aug 16, 2019 4:41 am

I think some folks are misunderstanding just how complex, and how many hours were put into this.

The only way this job is being done, is by someone with the knowledge and willingness to put in some major hours.

The cost to have someone do this for you would be insane.

Fri Aug 16, 2019 6:15 am

@levi- I certainly don't underestimate the time commitment, or genius-level innovation, involved with this swap. What this amazing post that I can't stop thinking about does is add fuel to the hope that 10-15 years from now, there really will be a reasonably priced and functional EV kit I can put into the Lego block that is my van so I can continue using it.

Fri Aug 16, 2019 7:33 am

I would love an electric conversion that could power the front wheels of a 2wd. 100 mile EV range would be awesome for commuting, then use the fossil fuel engine in back for longer trip lengths.

Fri Aug 16, 2019 7:40 am

Excellent job. Using a rough chassis as a test mule makes a lot of sense to me. Another member installed a complete Golf drive train in a vanagon. I liked the idea, but these darn things fortunately are worth a lot of money intact. Waiting for a rough one to come along myself.

Fri Aug 16, 2019 7:41 am

How much does the van weigh now? Considering how much stuff got removed, is it possibly lighter than before?

Fri Aug 16, 2019 7:51 am

Sodo wrote: Awesome. Id like to see it!
I have a 50 foot extension cord with Nema 6-50.
And a driveway camp with a view (in south Seattle).

Likewise, except for the extension cord and I'm in west seattle. Maybe Tom will loan out his extension cord. :D

Fri Aug 16, 2019 8:52 am

16CVs wrote: I applaud the effort, but why not start with a nicer van? A nice late model Carat or something with a little less rust and a crappy paint job
Price.
Here a van in good shape cost 15-25k$. I paid 4k$ for mine and it's not that rusty. Of course the paint is horrible.
But to be fair, I think I like his ''special'' look.
Still, the plan is to do a complete restoration / paint job in a year or two.

Fri Aug 16, 2019 8:54 am

plummerdesign wrote:
My only immediate change would be to have the charge port up on the side, like where they are on a syncro. Don't foresee how you are going to plug in a COMBO CCS charge head into the current semi-recessed position behind the plate.
Yes, charge port in the side was my first plan. But short time available for the conversion lead me to put the charge port at this easily integrate rear place.
The CCS combo gun just pass well at this place.
A charge port in the side is way more logical in my mind because it's more weater proof and easily accesible.

Fri Aug 16, 2019 9:05 am

alaskadan wrote: How much does the van weigh now? Considering how much stuff got removed, is it possibly lighter than before?
No. Not with 300 km of range.
With a smaller battery, maybe, but in my van the battery itself weight near 1000 lbs.
Last time I weigh the van it was 1800 kg (3960 lbs)

Fri Aug 16, 2019 10:11 am

RainierSyncro wrote: If you're driving through Vanagon country (the Pacific NW USA) maybe stop in Seattle at a Vanagon shop (Peace Vans maybe?) and let the Seattle area curious come out to see your creation. I definitely would rearrange my schedule to get a look-see.

i think this is an excellent idea

Fri Aug 16, 2019 1:03 pm

Few more pics.

The donor vehicle (chevy Bolt)

A rough 3D model of the powertrain and his integration in the vanagon

The wiring harness, motor, charger, inverter, dc-dc and battery inside our house for debuging the all system during winter.

A chevy Bolt 60 kWh battery, 350V nominal 170Ah

Fri Aug 16, 2019 11:54 pm

yabert wrote: Few more pics.
...
The wiring harness, motor, charger, inverter, dc-dc and battery inside our house for debuging the all system during winter.

...

Oh my god. That...is a sobering picture. :shock:

Ouch. But thank you!

Sat Aug 17, 2019 12:05 am

How did you get the ECUs to ignore the lack of ABS, airbags, PS, etc?

Sat Aug 17, 2019 1:02 am

Jaw dropping! Damn the battery is massive :shock: :shock:

Sat Aug 17, 2019 6:03 am

Genius! absolutely brilliant. My vote for the vanagon innovation award. Very well done and thanks for sharing.

Sat Aug 17, 2019 8:49 am

I'll bet the winter traction has improved, as the weight bias appears to have shifted rearward significantly. Seriously impressive work.