Electro in the shopRemoving the engineIn goes the motorThe operation is a success
OwnerRob Trahms
Owner's Other EV2006 Performance K-101 E-Bike
LocationEdmonds, Washington US map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1989 Volkswagen Cabriolet
MotorNetgain ImPulse 9 Series Wound DC
Fit PERFECTLY with adapter plate and mount from Electro Auto!
DrivetrainManual FWD 5-speed
ControllerCafe Electric Z1K-HV
Installed!
Batteries52 Skyenergy SE100AHA, 3.20 Volt, Lithium-Ion
Replacing 96V lead acid pack with 166V lithium pack.
System Voltage166 Volts
ChargerManzanita Micro PFC-20
Installed!
HeaterNone yet (considering ceramic electric heater)
DC/DC ConverterBelktronix Narrowband 166VDC in - 13.6 VDC out
DC/DC being reworked to support new Vin of 166V.
InstrumentationTBS Expert Pro with 10:1 voltage scaler
Traction Pack Voltage (166V) meter
Aux voltage (12v) meter
Top Speed90 MPH (144 KPH)
When done. Expecting it to be pretty peppy.
AccelerationVery good (again, hopefully). The battery pack will be a third of its original weight.
Range40 Miles (64 Kilometers)
Watt Hours/Mile250 Wh/Mile
Average with one driver/no passengers. Range from 200 Whr/mi - 400 Whr/mi depending on terrain.
EV Miles
Start:129,400 Miles (208,204 Kilometers)
Current:131,420 Miles (211,454 Kilometers)
Total:2,020 Miles (3,250 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity4 adults
Curb Weight2,700 Pounds (1,227 Kilograms)
Lithium diet will get this car back to its original curb weight!
TiresStock VW wheels.
Sumitomo HTR-200 LRR Tires.
Conversion Time~9 months calendar time
~7 weeks actual effort

Conversion Cost~$17K, including car & batteries
Additional FeaturesConvertible! No A/C required!
Bought donor vehicle for $450 in September 2007.
ICE came out on 11/25/2007.
Gas tank and fuel lines came out on 12/22/2007.
Manual steering rack installed on 12/22/2007.
Winter Break - too chilly to work on car!
Removed unnecessary engine electrical wiring on 2/1/2007.
Rebuilt rear brakes/wheels on 2/15/2008.
Electric motor and controller bought on 3/1/2008.
Front & rear battery racks bought on 3/15/2008.
Electric motor/tranny installed on 4/19/2008.
Front & rear battery racks installed on 5/17/2008.
Batteries installed on 5/25/2008.
HV cabling completed on 6/22/2008.
Z1K-HV & HB2 arrived on 6/23/2008.
Belktronix DC/DC arrived/installed 7/6/2008.
LV wiring completed on 7/15/2008.
System test completed on 7/31/2008. It works!
Maiden voyage on 8/1/2008.
Charger installed on 8/7/2008.

Retrofitted from 180V to 96V traction pack for increased range in Q4 2008

New maiden voyage (with new batteries) on 1/1/2009.

Daily driver through 2009.

In the shop now for the lithium upgrade!

code by jerry