OwnerMatt Schneider
LocationSeattle, Washington US map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1980 Volkswagen Vanagon
Standard Vanagon, 2WD
MotorAzure Dynamics/Solectria AC55 3-Phase AC
Air cooled
DrivetrainStandard 4 speed transmission and axles with motor adapter.
ControllerAzure Dynamics/Solectria DMOC 445
Air cooled
Batteries28 Deka 8G24, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Gel
74 Ahr at C20, 48 Ahr at C1 which gives 26 kWh in theory,
but have pulled more than 16 kWh a few times (replaced with
21 kWh once, on one of my 'battricide drives').
System Voltage336 Volts
ChargerManzanita Micro PFC50
Probably a little overkill, but I can sure charge fast.
Heater2@1500 W PTC heaters.
DC/DC ConverterVicor V375A15E600BL
600 W, 50 small brick. Raw device, have to add a number of
items to make it usable. But it is rated for my voltage.
InstrumentationV and I gauges, Laptop recording serial output DMM's
(TP4000ZC), home built meter with LCD giving temperatures,
V, I, Power, kWhr, Wh/mi.
Top Speed70 MPH (112 KPH)
Capability is about stock, so not super fast, but freeway
driving is easy. Drive around in 3rd, have transmission, but
haven't replaced shift mechanism yet.
AccelerationKeep up with traffic just fine. Slow down a bit on freeway
hills, but this will be fixed when I can shift to 4th.
Range40 Miles (64 Kilometers)
I have driven 36 miles a few times to about 80% DoD.
Watt Hours/Mile500 Wh/Mile
Lots of variability here. About 500 Wh/mi wall-to-wheel, but
around 380 Wh/mi battery-to-wheel. These numbers are
averages of many commute trips. Slow high-traffic days
certainly give much better efficiency.
EV Miles
Start:88,668 Miles (142,666 Kilometers)
Current:92,181 Miles (148,319 Kilometers)
Total:3,513 Miles (5,652 Kilometers)
 
    As of 5/21/2008
Seating Capacity6 now, will be 7
Curb Weight4,400 Pounds (1,999 Kilograms)
Base vehicle stripped down (with tranny, seats, but no motor,
batteries, boxes, etc.) was 2300 lbs (1000 rear, 1300 front).
About 1400 lbs batteries, and around 700 for boxes,
charger, controller etc.
TiresLT215/75R15, 50 psi, 100/97R, Load Range C.
Eventually will change to smaller dia and narrower.
Conversion Time9 months official start to first drive, but more months to get
the bugs out.
Conversion Cost~$20k. Could have been less, but I now I am well stocked on
bits-n-pieces for the next conversion.
Additional FeaturesBattery boxes sunk into body for minimal intrusion into passenger area, and to give
lowest CG. Pack has 4 break points, two fuses and two breakers, located to isolate the
different battery pods. Lee Hart BMS system - 28 mechanical relays give central access
to all batteries and balancing, either charge or discharge, one at a time.
Lots of fun, lots of work, lots of getting yelled at by my wife for $$'s and time.

Do your conversion before you have kids ...

code by jerry