How hard is it to convert a classic Beetle to electric power?

[antoinemayer]

I saw a DIY kit to convert a classic Beetle to electric power. I have no to little knowledge in mechanics and electronics. My Beetle is a 1969 semi-automatic 11-1500.

The kit : http://www.evwest.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=40&products_id=167

As you know, automatic gearboxes are quite... unstable. Mine just broke down. Two options: spend $$$ on fixing it as automatic, spend $$ on converting it to manual or spend $$ on converting it to electric.

So there are two questions now:
1. Can you convert an automatic Beetle without a functioning gearbox to electric (or do you have to fix the gearbox first)?
2. How difficult / complex is it going to be for me to convert my 1969 VW Beetle (11-1500) to electric Power, given my lack of knowledge in the fields of mechanics and electronics?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[runamoc]

the problem I've read is that all of the weight of the batteries is too much for the brakes. They will need to be upgraded to at least 'good' enough.
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[Q-Dog]

All of the kits I have seen use a standard VW 4 speed gearbox, and mostly use 2nd and 3rd gear for driving. A VW autostickshift transaxle uses the same gearing as the 4 speed, but leaves out 1st gear. I see no reason it couldn't work, but you may be on your own to figure out how to connect the electric motor to the autostick transmission.

Maybe call the kit vendors and ask if they have a solution to use the autostick transmission?
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Brian

'69 Dune Buggy
'69 Beetle Convertible
'70 Beetle

[volksworld]

$7600 and "batteries not included"....you still have to build and install your own battery system....and may have to change the trans....i think you can fix your existing problem for a lot less than that...

[sb001]

[sb001]

[Dwayne1m]

I don't understand this electric car conversion movement. Just look at the cost for that kit PLUS you have to buy the batteries, cables and make the battery boxes and install everything. So now you've spent well over $8,000 for a car that has a range of MAYBE 80 miles? What if you need heat? Ooops, that uses electricity and lowers your mileage range. Radio? Ooops, that uses electricity too. Lights? A/C? Wipers? Interior fan to clear the windshield? Oops, more electricity needed. Do you live in an area with hills that you have to climb? That lowers your range too. In areas that are flat and warm year round I can see this as an option, but where I live it wouldn't work.

[calvinater]

for that money a used prius would work and get you a better range
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[67rustavenger]

[bluebus86]

before starting consider the full cost, and how you want to use the car with the limitations of of the battery power. Also consider the life span of the batteries, they degrade even when not in use, you may find they all need replacement in not too many years, at a great cost. If you want to save money, and/or maintain a more practical car, conversion to electric is probably not the best choice in my opinion.
But if your heart and mind is set on the conversion, please consider all the costs and downsides first, so you will not become disappointed.
I say it is a difficult and expensive to convert, it is a major job, and as stated, brakes should be upgraded even suspension spring upgrades are required to deal with many 100s of pounds of batteries. Your tires will wear faster too with the additional weight.

Bug On, With Gas or Amps!
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Help Prevent VW Engine Fires, see this link.....Engine safety wire information

Stop introducing dirt into your oil when adjusting valves ... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=683022

[67rustavenger]

If you really want a challenge. Go this route.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=685542

Good Luck.
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[bluebus86]

Yikes, the price!

http://www.evwest.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=40&products_id=168

and that dont include suspension and brake upgrades.

Only 90 mile range, 8 hours to recharge. heater? Not practical for me.


Bug On!
_________________
Help Prevent VW Engine Fires, see this link.....Engine safety wire information

Stop introducing dirt into your oil when adjusting valves ... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=683022

[sb001]

[Cheburashka]

[TX-73]

To the OP - in my view you have several challenges. You mentioned that you have little or no mech/elect skills (I don't mean this badly just re-stating). In addition to the fabrication and specific EV learning curve you will also be faced with the nuts and bolts stuff required not just for this conversion but also for basic maintenance etc. Things like brakes and repairing whatever goes bump in the night.
What I'm suggesting is to carefully consider the long run and if you are up to the challenges faced. Would hate to see you get into this and get overwhelmed with the project and the car. The resources are certainly available to help you but I think this project would be done best over time and in phases. And if course the more you learn the less you have to pay someone else to do work.
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[calvinater]

Doesnt "EVfun " and "wayne johnson" have electric vw's?
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"Albatross"!

[cbeck]

I was under the impression that the autostick requires a vacuum source?
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[David_nc_72std]

[Dwayne1m]

[jwp67]