OwnerSoren Coughlin-Glaser
LocationPortland, Oregon United States map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1973 Volkswagen Bus
This is a 1973 VW bus I converted to electric as my work vehicle. I am a photographer and the bus is sometimes used at events as a photobooth.
Motor Custom 9 inch Series Wound DC
Jim Husted from Hi-Torque electric in Redmond Oregon custom built this for me from an old Yale fork lift motor. It is snazy and yellow!
DrivetrainOriginal 1973 VW bus
ControllerCurtis 1231C
Batteries24 Les Schwab Tire Center GC-2, 6.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
These were generic Golf Cart 220 amp hour batteries from my local tire shop Les Schwab in Portland, OR.
System Voltage144 Volts
ChargerZivan NG-3
Heaternone yet, looking...
DC/DC Converter none
Instrumentationamp meter, voltmeter.
Top Speed55 MPH (88 KPH)
Give me enough room and I can get up to 55, but not for too long.
Accelerationpretty much as good or better than an ICE bus, except on hills ;-(
Range50 Miles (80 Kilometers)
I can go 40 on very hilly terrain, and more on flatter terrain. At the end of a 50 mile flat truip my pack voltage reads 144V. It starts a full charge at 156V
Watt Hours/MileI have a 220V charger, I gue I'll need to buy an old meter from the electric company.
Seating Capacity7 adults
Curb Weight0
don't know yet.
Tireslight truck tires
Conversion Time6 months Is it ever done?
Conversion Cost10K and counting....
Additional FeaturesOriginal AM radio! Can also be turned int a photobooth at outdoor events. portlandphotobooth.com
This is my daily driver, I average 15 miles a day and sometimes 50 when I have to travel for work. So far I've just charged at home because it is 220.

code by jerry