VW Beetle converted from gas to electric. Updated version is available on this channel.

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14 жыл бұрын

Check out how a VW Beetle conversion has changed since 2008. • VW Bug EV Conversion O...
This vehicle was originally converted in 2008. Cosmetic work (paint and interior) were done 2009/2010. This conversion is still on the road today.
This vehicle has been updated to lithium batteries and an AC motor. Want to learn how to convert a vehicle yourself? Check out www.evworkshops.com The Online EV Workshop is currently on Sale at the lowest price ever. (Limited time offer.) Check out EV4U's Custom VW Shift Rod Bushing. ev4unow.com/vw-bushing
Visit EV4Unow.com. Please address all questions or comments to info@EV4Unow.com.
For the latest up to date conversion information visit www.EVWorkshops.com

Пікірлер: 209

@ev4u 10 жыл бұрын

The Bug is still lead acid, when the batteries were new it would get between 40 and 50 miles. 0 - 60 mph is under 15 seconds, but I don't remember exactly. We converted and tested this vehicle in 2009. 90 mph top speed. We will be converting it to lithium in 2014, and it will be almost 500 lbs. lighter. That should make a difference on some of the specs. Should be close to the Karmann Ghia. Thanks for watching.

@YianniSoc 4 жыл бұрын

Love the exhaust tips still on there. Just need an air pump to push some air through them and make the noise! Nice touch.

@bluemoondiadochi 13 жыл бұрын

very nice vid! it's easy to understand, and even though i'm not into classic, you picked the music good, it's relaxing and makes the vid even more enjoyable! thank you!

@uvaltito 11 жыл бұрын

amazing. great craft. leave it to the experts! you certainly know what you are doing. blessings

@TheCaddy84 12 жыл бұрын

Wow well thought out and planned. Looks NICE thumbs up and thank you for this vid!

@Godslightnin 12 жыл бұрын

i wish I could afford one you are the change this world needs....

@rlwieneke 12 жыл бұрын

Nice touch on the simulated exhaust tips.

@abrahammonteropacheco7557 2 жыл бұрын

It's Beautiful electric conversion kit

@cristianodj 12 жыл бұрын

Outstanding work man.

@tonymac96 12 жыл бұрын

I have to say that this is an impressive work of love...When you want to make something happen...just do it !!!!! I do have a mustang GT 1988 V-8 ...and that car has been in the garage for more that 5 years already (engine is almost gone...) ....I might convert it to electric for the fun of it...

@ev4u 14 жыл бұрын

Top speed 90 MPH, 0-60 MPH in 15 seconds (with normal driving) The range is 30 to 50 miles depending upon conditions. Suspension upgrades and conversion added 920 pounds. Weight after conversion is 2580 pounds. The bug features four wheel disc brakes, air shocks, heavy-duty anti-sway bar, lightened flywheel, heavy-duty clutch, welded polypropylene battery boxes with polycarbonate lids, custom venting system, and an on-board 120 volt charger.

@renragged 12 жыл бұрын

Cool, thanks. I'll check them out.

@MRRAWRAW1 5 жыл бұрын

10/10 really great work!

@renragged 12 жыл бұрын

Very cool. I'd love to see it in action.

@EVSA 14 жыл бұрын

Excellent job

@59vaughn 6 жыл бұрын

That's some nice parts....beauty...

@ev4u 11 жыл бұрын

I would recommend locating some of the batteries in the rear of the vehicle. You will not have enough room under the hood for a large enough battery pack, plus motor, controller, etc.

@ev4u 12 жыл бұрын

Right you are. That's why there are Fords and Chevys, everyone likes something different. Thanks for watching.

@ev4u 11 жыл бұрын

In California, all gas powered vehicles from 1975 and older are smog exempt. After converting a 1976 and later vehicle, you need to take it to the DMV where they will do a visual inspection. They confirm the VIN and the fact that the vehicle is no longer internal combustion powered. The vehicle is then exempt from the smog requirements. The registration costs are the same as before. We have done this many times without any issues. I am not familiar with Oregon or Utah procedures.

@Lodog110776 12 жыл бұрын

Beautiful bug... great job.

@TheAnothernow 12 жыл бұрын

Gorgeous! Love the workmanship and the bug. The component placement also looks great. You know it's too bad Ford or GM don't follow suit and make it happen en mass! I guess soon they'll have to divorce the big oil and be happier for it.

@loutonastro2925 12 жыл бұрын

Amazing work! and there are 6 oil companies that dislike the EVBUG1!

@ev4u 14 жыл бұрын

@DanFrederiksen The factory stock weight of the Beetle was 1850 lbs. This vehicle was fairly stripped when we purchased it and the starting weight before conversion was 1660 lbs.

@ev4u 12 жыл бұрын

You are right, the best handling vehicles have a 50/50 weight distribution, like the Mazda Miata. However, the VW Beetle was designed by the factory to carry more weight in the rear than in the front. In designing a conversion, it is best to match the factory weight distribution. I know from racing the Bugs and from our testing, that we did need some additional weight up front, thus the 2 batteries up front. However, the Bugs will not handle well with to much weight in the front.

@ev4u 13 жыл бұрын

@n4120p Thank you for your comments. The electric Beetle requires much less attention than the original stock Beetle. No oil changes, no points, and no brake and valve adjustments. With the Lithium battery option there is basically no maintenance other than checking your tire pressure. The replacement cost on the Trojan batteries is approx. $1700. The batteries in our marketing vehicle are more than two years old, and have over 7000 miles, and are still going strong. I drive the car daily.

@ev4u 13 жыл бұрын

@PanccoVanilla Depending on state of discharge, anywhere from 45 minutes to 6-1/2 hours if fully discharged.

@Peppermint1 11 жыл бұрын

How do you manage to keep a power steering/brake booster ?

@ev4u 12 жыл бұрын

Have no fear, the Bug can be converted back to internal combustion. However, the lack of maintenance is a real plus with the electric. By the way, the Bug has won awards at Bug-Orama, Concours d'Elegance, and many, many more. Seems it is very well received by most.

@willemstockton 12 жыл бұрын

Awesome! You should do a video detailing your solar charging system.. I'm working on a windmill powered by an old vw generator. Well sort of working on it.. I'm studying up on propeller design right now.

@EmersonCapuano 13 жыл бұрын

amazing. great job

@stiantiger 13 жыл бұрын

Good job!!

@ev4u 11 жыл бұрын

I don't know why not. No issues thus far in California. Local state laws will vary. Check the EV Album for others in your state that have done conversions and see if they have had any issues.

@ev4u 12 жыл бұрын

We do remove the ring gear on most conversions. However, on the VWs it makes it easier and safer to torque on the gland nut. Thats for watching.

@ededdynova 12 жыл бұрын

can you not attach a dynomo to a moving axel to improve range and but charge back into the batteies like in F1 or an alternator on a normal engined car?

@Wrongrealities 11 жыл бұрын

If I wanted an electric Ford Pinto, could you do that keeping batteries and motor under the hood?

@oceanbannahman 12 жыл бұрын

were do you put the blinker fluid and did you have to use a left handed screw driver to build it

@daddykyledylan 12 жыл бұрын

THATS THE BEST VIDEO IVE SEEN THATS THE PERFECT GROCERY GETTER DROP THE KIDS AT SCHOOL AND SO ON I LIVE 25 MILES FROM WORK SO I MITE BE PUSHING IT THE LAST MILE LOL SWEET CAR

@Peppermint1 11 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Do you have to keep the original transmission?

@ev4u 12 жыл бұрын

Yes you still shift gears. Front wheels stay on the ground. No DMV issues. No motor braking. The top speed is 90 mph, and it is regularly driven on the interstate. Thanks for watching and the comments.

@blueskys8814 9 жыл бұрын

Nice very nice thank You!

@saxmanchiro 12 жыл бұрын

@theduke502 Thanks for the leads. I am on the East coast, NC. Lots of nonrusty VWs out here but I'm not sure if I even want to stay with VW and maybe go completely custom on the chassis, maybe even alum. for wt reduction. I do like the torsion bar suspension though. Could just buy a complete donor car with no engine and just start tearing it up.

@teddydogification 11 жыл бұрын

how often or how many hours the batteries needs charging? is it possible an alternator can input/recharge the batteries when the car is running? sort of kinetic energy

@ev4u 13 жыл бұрын

@redbikeinc By size, I take it you mean kilo-watt hours. We offer two Lithium packages, one is 15.4 kwh and the other is 30.8 kwh. The lead acid pack is 20.3 kwh.

@lakecrab 12 жыл бұрын

How long will the Lead Acid Batteries Last (life cycle)? What is the carbon footprint for the recycled old batts + the production of the new batts. How much utility co fuel will be used to generate the recharge power and what is the carbon footprint of that life cycle?

@RobbsHomemadeLife 12 жыл бұрын

great bug video, made me a subscriber

@mepalmer8467 11 жыл бұрын

What is the top highway speed for the ev motor you show in this video?

@Chetu1974 9 жыл бұрын

I've been wondering, if there isn´t any chance to place alternators attached to the wheels, so they can make some charge while driving, extending the batteries and car range...

@ev4u 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. This a fairly common question, so we made a video to address the subject. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/b82WjZiZ35O4koE.html

@saxmanchiro 12 жыл бұрын

You have skills. In the process of converting my kit car(GT40) into EV. Currently, I have an '82 Mazda rotary married to a 67 VW 4sp, all on a 64 beetle pan. Did the rotary conversion in 84. Loved it until now. The chassis is rotten so time to restore from ground up. I have lots of room behind the front seats for batteries(Lithium). Any advice on the good yrs for a donor chassis and trans? I hate my trans that I have.

@ev4u 11 жыл бұрын

That's always a possibility. According to the Department of Transportation, 80% of Americans drive less than 40 miles per day. All of our conversions feature a 40+ mile range. When doing some extreme range testing, we have actually done what you are suggesting. Thanks for watching and commenting.

@mrRhwalden 11 жыл бұрын

I'd love to do this to a 914 or early 911... I'd love to open a shop doing electric conversions or Scooters....

@DanFrederiksen 14 жыл бұрын

what's the barebone weight of the beetle?

@lpbman3 13 жыл бұрын

What batteries went into this particular conversion and what is the nominal capacity after a little break in time? Nice job by the way. Also, for ~6g's I could put 10kw/h of 25c nanotech lipo's. Not so much range, but motor melting discharge curves and only 150lbs+packaging/cooling. ~2 1/2 hour empty to full @ 4kw/h.... at least that is what reading the labels tell me. Maybe that should go in a NSX conversion?

@ev4u 13 жыл бұрын

@ImYourLastResort We offer AC conversions, but you're right, DC conversions are more popular, mainly due to price.

@rockyofusa1 12 жыл бұрын

Now the electric motor connects up to the old transmission, or the drive line? And What's used for this connection?

@ev4u 13 жыл бұрын

@burpitt82 The motor mounts to the stock transaxle, and the clutch is retained also.

@pinkyzoey 13 жыл бұрын

The lack of pipes would be an even greater conversation item.

@ev4u 11 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. The big difference is, that five years from now only one of them will still be worth $20,000. The reason we used a classic Beetle for marketing purposes is that it displays all of the conversion components well. Also, few cars have the nostalgic sex-appeal of the classic Beetle.

@khanpakistani9211 12 жыл бұрын

kindly tell me electric motor specifications which you used

@pitchingwedge1 12 жыл бұрын

Whats the range of this car and how does it perform? thanks

@ev4u 12 жыл бұрын

Regenerative braking is available on our A/C versions.

@frustrated181 11 жыл бұрын

hi! i am interested in converting my 96 toyota corrolla but i know nothing about cars or electricity, but it does interest me i have search and search all over the intranet and can find any indepth step by step instructions on what to do or how to start im clueless and confused especialy about what motors to use and is that the main power source for starting the car???need help please?

@ev4u 12 жыл бұрын

Prefer '69 and later. All the best on your conversions.

@mrderek800 7 жыл бұрын

What kind of vehicle should I be considering to convert if I am looking to get 150 - 200 miles of range, and want to be able to go 65-70mph on the highway?

@ev4u 7 жыл бұрын

Light and aerodynamic. Thanks for watching. www.ev4unow.com/EVWorkshops

@mortithedog8088 7 жыл бұрын

Where did you get the polypropylene for the boxes? How did you build them? I am building an electric vehicle out of a bug using 6 tesla batteries. What should I use for a safety container?

@ev4u 7 жыл бұрын

Please address all questions or comments to: info@EV4Unow.com Thank you.

@VwErik88 13 жыл бұрын

Awsome man :D the beetle will be the new Pelole Electric car :)

@candisbrendel7396 11 жыл бұрын

have you up graded the battery systems? there are lighter more powerful batteries out there now? VERY GOOD LOOKING PAINT JOB TOO!! What are the top speeds etc..? the shifter is still in the car, do you have to shift it, and is it still like the gas one. where you need to let each gear wind out etc... VERY COOL VIDEO AND FINE LOOKING CAR!!!

@ev4u 13 жыл бұрын

@burpitt82 The electric motor mounts to the stock transaxle. We still retain the clutch and shift as you would a stock VW. However, we don't always both with first gear. Thanks for watching.

@TechMuufin 11 жыл бұрын

Would a car still pass state inspection with this modification?

@kenrickfarinas 12 жыл бұрын

in the conversion what is the most expensive ???

@junkb0x99 12 жыл бұрын

If I had the money, I'd be all over this one!

@crosisofborg5524 4 жыл бұрын

Would larger wheels such as a baja bug conversion still work with the electric motor?

@ev4u 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, the electric motor has twice the torque as the original engine, and it has it at zero rpm.

@athalfridhu 11 жыл бұрын

Good job, Brake energy recovery????

@doezel 14 жыл бұрын

Hi! What's the performance now of this bug? 0-60? vmax? range? and is the weight increased compared to the weight before the conversion?

@StatenIslandsouth2 12 жыл бұрын

Great Job, very impressive work. I do have a few questions Does the electric motor require gear shifts? Is there enough torque to get the front wheels off the ground on acceleration? Any issues with getting it registered with the department of motor vehicles? If you cut the electricity off does the motor drag the back wheels? Can this be driven at interstate speed? THANKS for posting this video.

@kenrickfarinas 12 жыл бұрын

in the conversion whats the most expensive

@pinkyzoey 13 жыл бұрын

Why did you leave the exhaust pipes? Since you were having body work done, you should have had the indents filled in where the pipes were, and left them out.

@PanccoVanilla 13 жыл бұрын

Which is charging time??

@ebach1 12 жыл бұрын

cool video :)

@naoufelmelayh240 4 жыл бұрын

hi sir any updates ? please to help for beetle conversion , power in kw is the motors ?how to choose motors dc or ac , what voltage appropriate, ? what batteries ? TROJANS deep cycle or lifepo4 upgrades ? any other repurposed batterie car thanks for help by your experience

@ev4u 4 жыл бұрын

For more information, and updated information, see our KZfaq Channel.

@ev4u 12 жыл бұрын

Yes it can. For more information visit our website.

@ev4u 13 жыл бұрын

@imsiriustube There is, by reducing the voltage, you reduce the top speed, and decrease the weight of the battery pack. A 120 volt setup gets you about 60 - 65 MPH and approx. 5 - 10 more miles in range. This not an absolute, as there are lots of variables. We design our conversions to be Freeway capable, and thus use a 144 volt setup. Additional range is accomplished using Lithium Ion batteries, at an additional cost of $6,000. Range costs money. How far do you need to go?

@ev4u 12 жыл бұрын

Right you are, things do need to change. Fortunately this is not a coal powered Bug, as we have abundant sunshine. Thanks for watching.

@JimmyInSydney 8 жыл бұрын

pretty darn cool. How far can it travel before recharging and how long does it take to recharge from empty?

@ev4u 8 жыл бұрын

For more information. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/n96Un6pnztGZh2Q.html

@1farmkid 9 жыл бұрын

Really cool! Can I keep my manual trans? Does the e motor use a flywheel? Thanks for the video! Where are you located?

@ev4u 9 жыл бұрын

Yes you can keep the manual transmission. Plus we use a flywheel and clutch. Check out our over 150 KZfaq videos for more information. We are located in Shasta Lake, California. Thanks for watching.

@ev4u 13 жыл бұрын

@nv1z Top speed of the Bug is 90 MPH.

@ev4u 12 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and for the comment.

@ev4u 13 жыл бұрын

@pinkyzoey The pipes are a great conversation item.

@ev4u 13 жыл бұрын

@lpbman3 This vehicle which is our marketing vehicle uses Trojan 30XHS batteries. 20.3 kwh pack. This version of Bug conversion sells for $19875.00. We offer a Lithium version that sells for $25985.00

@JaredReabow 11 жыл бұрын

you should buy a small generator that you can sit in the spare space and if the car were to ever run out mid jouney, you just fire up the genny

@ev4u 12 жыл бұрын

Due to the rpm limitations of a dc motor, a transmission is necessary. The clutch allows for faster shifting, less wear on the transmission, and is the ultimate safety disconnnect. Thanks for watching.

@ev4u 14 жыл бұрын

If the pack is completely discharged, it takes 6-1/2 hours to fully recharge. My normal driving of approximately 25 miles per day, takes four hours of charging time.

@raulnyquist 8 жыл бұрын

men i understand that if i want to convert my car into electric i have to buy an electric motor and batterys! but what i don't understand is that circuit! what is the map of that circuit? if i want to install 2 of those electric motors do i have to make a bigger circuit? please how do i make a circuit? i have a toyota corolla 2015 and i want to definately conver to electric! greetings from Peru!

@ev4u 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. My recommendation. www.ev4unow.com/EVWorkshops

@raulnyquist 8 жыл бұрын

Hi =) i am watching all of your videos! Very instructive! Thanks for the answer! Have a good day!

@ev4u 12 жыл бұрын

@ChemTrailSkys The NetGain ImPulse 9 motor is designed and built specifically for EVs. You can visit their website at go-ev.com

@ev4u 12 жыл бұрын

@pitchingwedge1 The range with the lead acid pack is 30 - 50 miles. We also offer a lithium pack that provides a 40 - 60 mile range. The performance is better than the stock Beetle with a 0 to 60 time of about 15 seconds, and a top speed of 85+ mph. It also handles and brakes better than stock.

@dimebag699 13 жыл бұрын

great job .my friend covter 71 elct. bug.i like my 73 i get 46 mpg hwy 37 city .pass smog test. is a lev and is a great diver i need the back seat for my kid to rid in.to much weight for batt. but it is great that you can do this . gas is to dam high.we need a new way s to power our cars.

@ev4u 11 жыл бұрын

Due to the price at the time. We wanted to keep the total price point below 20k. Lithium prices in 2009 did not allow for that to work. Today, lithium is all we use.

@RJDCR 6 жыл бұрын

superkool , thanx

@ev4u 13 жыл бұрын

@nv1z Solar panels are on the vehicle? Not practical. Opportunity charging at customers homes, excellent.

@kyrkbymannen 9 жыл бұрын

This is a great idea!! Is the conversion very hard to make?

@ev4u 9 жыл бұрын

No really, with some insights you can do it yourself. EV4U Custom Conversions offers assistance so that can do it yourself, and do it right the first time. www.EV4Unow.com

@ev4u 11 жыл бұрын

Tom, for information regarding transmissions, check out the EV Answer Man, Episode 8 video.