Electric car conversion kit?

Question

I am trying to find an electric car conversion kit that will make my 71 VW bug highway legal. But out of all the conversion kits that I have found the highest one can only get up to 45mph If anyone can tell me where to find an electric car conversion kit that can get up to 60mph or so can you please give me a link.

Answer 1

no problem. anywhere from 84 to 144 volts will do the trick. I am doing one right now.  74 bug. got most of my stuff from cloudev.  They have been super to work with.  I'm putting in amotor that will handle 72-120 volts, but my controller is set at 84 volts. I am not sure which batteries I am going with though. Probably 12 volt trojans, but havnt ruled out glass mats. Am up for suggestions. I could wait a yr or 2 for LI ion, but doubt if I would afford it anyway.  I'm going to get a little coleman generator to creat a hybrid though.  YOu can find bugs pretty reasonably on Craigslist. Highway legal? or Highway safe. Mine will do 60 easily, but if you need 70 for prolonged periods, go for atleast 120 volt.

Answer 2

The one EV car I currently have (have 2 vehicles that run on hydrogen also) I converted from a vw bug and is free to charge. As I live completely off the grid all my electricity comes from solar panels and 2 wind generators, which I also built.

However I did charge up at Costco in Carlsbad California (I actually only drove up there to fill up) if I remember right it was around $2.00

Not sure if you’re interesting in doing it yourself, but I’d be willing to walk you step by step threw the conversion. I've converted 3 of my own cars (a datsun truck, ford ban, and a vw bug) and a few for neighbors. I've also converted cars to run on hydrogen, ethanol and biodiesel, by far EV is the easiest.

If you’re interested here’s what it would entitle…

- The engine compartment is first cleaned out of any gasoline components.

- Electric components are then installed in exchange.

- A battery bank is built and incorporated.

- Existing starter and driving systems are connected.

- Turn the key, step on the gas pedal sending more energy to the electric motor, & thus more power to the drive system, which in return creates more speed, more acceleration.

- The system has normal automotive top speeds and acceleration, typical to the vehicle your modifying. If your top speed was 85 mph and your acceleration was 1 mile per min, then this will be what your left with after the conversion.

The methods are extremely simple, making the process possible for anyone, everyone, ANYWHERE.

Typical tools, hardware & supplies are used, making access to parts available for all.

Electric Conversions can be easily accomplished in ANY model vehicle, even tractors, Generators, types of machinery, etc.

Project lengths range from 1 day to 1 month.

If you’re interested I wrote a guide on it which is available at www agua-luna com

My last EV conversion ran me about $1400. Everything is available online. I have a how to do it yourself guide available at www agua-luna com that will walk you step by step through the process. If you have ANY questions feel free to contact me through the site. Here’s a list of what you'd need...

Advanced DC Motor

The motor is an 8" Advanced DC series-wound motor. It weighs 107 pounds and is rated at 68 peak horsepower. These motors are available in several sizes.



Adaptor plate

The adaptor plate mates the motor to the transmission. It is constructed of 1/2 inch aluminum and is pre-drilled with bolt hole patterns for both the motor and transmission. An aluminum spacer is also used for proper spacing between the shafts of the transmission and motor. Adaptor plates are available for many cars.

DC Motor Controller

The controller regulates current going to the motor. It is a solid-state device that uses a pulse width modulator (PWM) that sends short bursts of current to the motor at a rate of 15 kHz. Controllers are available from both Curtis and DCP.

Potbox (Potentiometer)

The potbox is a 5K ohm throttle between the controller and the accelerator, similar to the way a sewing machine pedal works. The potbox's lever arm is attached to the existing accelerator cable.

Main Contactor

An electric relay that serves the same purpose as the ignition switch in a gas car. When the key is turned to the start position, the contactor closes the circuit to allow current to flow to the controller.

Circuit Breaker

A safety device that shuts down power for servicing or during an emergency. The circuit breaker is installed under the hood and can be switched both off and on from the drivers seat with an extension or cable.



Main Fuse

The main fuse protect the system from high voltage spikes. A fuse should be installed at each battery box or group of batteries.



Shunt

A shunt is placed in series within the wiring as a means to connect meters. Shunts are available in different sizes for both high and low power configurations.

  

Charger interlock

A relay that keeps the circuit open so nobody will inadvertantly drive off with the charge cord plugged into the car.



DC/DC Converter

The DC/DC converter is similar in function to a gas car's alternator. It charges the 12 volt accessory battery by chopping voltage from the main battery pack down to 13.5 volts.

If you interested I offer several DIY alternative guides to walk you step by step threw EV conversion process at agua-luna com or

www agua-luna com

Hope this helped, feel free to contact me personally if you have any questions if you’d like assistance in making your first self sufficient steps, I’m willing to walk you step by step threw the process. I’ve written several how-to DIY guides available at  www agua-luna com on the subject. I also offer online and on-site workshops, seminars and internships to help others help the environment.

Dan Martin

Alterative Energy / Sustainable Consultant, Living 100% on Alternative & Author of How One Simple Yet Incredibly Powerful Resource Is Transforming The Lives of Regular People From All Over The World... Instantly Elevating Their Income & Lowering Their Debt, While Saving The Environment by Using FREE ENERGY... All With Just One Click of A Mouse...For more info Visit:  

www AGUA-LUNA com

Stop Global Warming!!!

Answer 3

I don't think you will find any kits to get a VW Bug converted for highway speed, at least not for very long.  This requires a motor with a continuous rated power between 50 to 60 HP (and forget acceleration, you won't have any).  Also, climbing a 10% grade at 35 mph is about the same as driving at 60 mph down the highway.

Most of the electric motors out there are not capable of delivering this with anything less than 220 volts (19 batteries).  Most of the DC motors used in these conversions are small 120 V motors (20 HP continuous, 60 HP peak), and will suffer serious heat damage if run at highway speeds for more than a few minutes.  Also, a chain of 19 starter batteries would only be able to power highway speeds for about 30 minutes.  The 10 battery chains used in these kits would only last about 16 minutes on the highway.

And BEWARE!  The starter batteries used in these conversions are designed for short, high-current applications (i.e. starting).  Their electrodes are not designed for continuous draw (deep cycle) use.  When used in a continuous application (electric car, backup sump), the electrodes rapidly deform, and the battery dies (probably within a few months to a year).  You must use deep cycle batteries, and do not expect even a deep cycle lead-acid battery to last more than 3 to 5 years.

You can certainly convert a Beetle, as the links below show, but don't expect cruising down the highway, or going much beyond a 30 mile range.  If you want more than that, you will need a professional conversion using advanced motors, controllers, and Li-Ion battery packs.

PS: There are hybrid conversion kits.  You might try one of those.