Zelectric 1958 VW Beetle with ragtop sunroof in Anthracite
100% electric. 100hp. 100 mile range Tesla Battery.
👉More info listed below.
Older video with driving shots: • 1958 All Electric VW B...
2020 Zelectric Build Specs:
Batteries (6/2019)
27 kWh Lithium Ion 18650 Tesla Model S modules including BMS
100 mile range
Battery life: 200,000+ miles - 18+ years
6061-Aluminium CAD Battery Boxes
Motor (2017)
Maintenance-free 100% electric 3-phase 65KW AC-50 motor
650 amp Controller with custom cooling system
102hp 120 foot-pounds of instant torque
Top speed 100+ MPH (so far)
Charging Components (2017)
Dash-mounted digital fuel gauge
2500 watt on-board charging system
Built-in J1772 charge port for Level 1 & 2 home or public charging
DC/DC converter (charges stock 12-volt system - lights radio etc.)
Charge times (2500W)
Level-1 120v Charger (included)
- at 50% you’ll be fully charged in 5-6 hrs.
- at 10% you’ll be fully charged in 12-14 hrs.
Level-2 240v Charger
- at 50%, you’ll be fully charged in 3-4 hrs.
- at 10%, you’ll be fully charged in 7-8 hrs.
Drivetrain Improvements
Drive-by-wire throttle system
Heavy Duty Clutch & Lightened Flywheel
Clutch regen sensor (for smoother shifting) 2018
Custom 4-speed Transaxle
Short-throw shifter 2019
Glove box mounted motor controller gauge
Suspension Improvements & Safety Upgrades
Diamondback white wall radial tires 2019
Front & rear disc brakes 2018
Steel braided brake lines, master cylinder 2018
Gas shocks 2018
Adjustable front beam & rear spring plates 2018
HD front sway bar and rear camber compensator
Front and rear seat belts 2019
Additional Upgrades
LED head, brake, and running lights
USB charge port in glovebox
Rebuilt speedometer
Regen assist braking sensor
Dash-mounted selectable regen power switch
Dash-mounted reverse switch
Custom blade style wiring harness for all new 12-volt wiring
Tinted windows 2018
New Coco floor mats 2019
New running boards 2019
New German squareweave carpet 2019
Leather interior 2018
Adjustable speed wiper control
Larger brake fluid reservoir (fill at master cylinder under car)
New 12-volt battery 2020
Pan-off full body restoration, rebuilt transmission 2010-2016
Original electric conversion 2017 (about 4,000 miles on conversion)
Interior upgrades 2017
Suspension, brakes upgrades 2018
Repaint and new window seals 2018
New Tesla batteries Sept 2019 (500 miles on 200,000+ mile battery pack)
Also included: Official Volkswagen issued "Birth Certificate" and various receipts going back to 1990.
Video: • 1958 All Electric VW B...
Photos: flic.kr/s/aHskk421cE
Video overview of driving a ZelectricBug • Walk Around ZelectricB...
2018 Featured on “Boys Toys” • Zelectric Beetle
2017 Featured on Formula-E racing youtube channel: • Morgan EV3, Classic Ca...
This car has been featured in the following print magazines in 2018:
- Hagerty Magazine
- American Airlines Magazine
- Auto Motor Sport & VW Magazine (Germany)
- Elbilen! Magazine (Sweden)
- Daytona Magazine & Cal Classix (Japan)
2017 “Most Interesting Electric Vehicle” at "The Little Car Show" during Monterey Auto Week.
2018 Invited for display at Pebble Beach RetroAuto.
2019 Invited for display at the San Diego International Auto Show
2019 Omaze.com fundraising campaign for The Planetary Society, raising over $900k*
2019 “Best in Show” at the MO/KAN VW Show Kansas City MO (over 120 cars)
2020 “1st place - compact class” KCMO World of Wheels Kansas City MO
* The Omaze winner of the car and her young family were thrilled to receive this Beetle, taking it to multiple car shows in Kansas City, where it won both Best in Class and Best in Show. But they’re moving soon, and will no longer be able to keep the car. We want to help them find a wonderful home for it.
The car has a clean title registered in Missouri and is currently at our San Diego CA shop.
Service: Everything in the car has been restored or replaced. If service is needed for the car there are many shops that specialize in vintage Volkswagens. We can help you find one in your area. If you have a problem related to the electric motor or any of the electric components the car can be serviced by many service centers specializing in automotive electric systems, hybrid systems and luxury golf cart or neighborhood vehicles (NEV) service centers. A complete wiring diagram of the Zelectric build is included with the car. We haven’t had any issues with any of our cars since we began 7 years ago.
More info on Zelectric builds at zelectric.com
Contact david(at)zelectric(dot)com for more info