| Owner | Ken Parsons | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Kansas City, Missouri US map | ||||||
| Web/Email | WebPage | ||||||
| Vehicle | 1973 Volkswagen Type III Variant (Squareback) This car was given to me by a friend who didn't want to deal w/ the issues of an old ICE vehicle | ||||||
| Motor | Advanced DC 203-06-4001A 48-120V, 10-30 hp | ||||||
| Drivetrain | Manual | ||||||
| Controller | Curtis 1221C | ||||||
| Batteries | 8 Trojan T-1275, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded At 656lbs and for space considerations, I went w/ 12V. I am told my performance and range would improve w/ a pack of 8V or 6V batteries, but I'm finding that it suits my need for a roundtrip commute of 18-20 miles with LOTS of hills. 5,000 miles into it (2 years, 3 months) and it still registers 103.8V after 6 hours of charging (and 1 hour of resting after that). | ||||||
| System Voltage | 96 Volts | ||||||
| Charger | Quick Charge 96V On-board charger which takes about 6 hours from 50% depth of discharge (this includes about one hour of float charging). | ||||||
| Heater | Cheap handheld unit that plugs into the lighter. For defrosting the window only. For warmth I use a coat. For the rear battery pack, I use a Kats 72" warmer. | ||||||
| DC/DC Converter | Astrodyne | ||||||
| Instrumentation | Voltmeter and Ammeter | ||||||
| Top Speed | 65 MPH (104 KPH) I have not taken the car this fast, but I can comfortably cruise around 55mph in third gear. | ||||||
| Acceleration | In first it is quite quick, though I tend to start in second, which is sufficient to keep up with traffic. | ||||||
| Range | 20 Miles (32 Kilometers) This is to 50% discharge, as I go to/from work and charge immediately when I get home (to avoid sulfation over time and extend the life of my batteries). With all the hills in Kansas City, my range is a bit more limited than those of you in flatter areas. | ||||||
| EV Miles |
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| Seating Capacity | 5 adults | ||||||
| Curb Weight | 2,500 Pounds (1,136 Kilograms) | ||||||
| Tires | 4 165-R15 | ||||||
| Conversion Time | Actual physical labor: 75-100 hours, essentially w/in 16 concentrated days in mid-May 2008. Mental labor: endless. | ||||||
| Conversion Cost | $7,336, which includes batteries, misc supplies, shipping costs, etc. This is the actual number, not an estimate (but doesn't include front brake overhaul, which was $500, and the motor mount for $350). | ||||||
| 09/04/2010: Converting your car is worth the investment. I'm over 5,000 miles into it and have poured little money into maintenance (e.g. I bought new wipers blades one time and buy a gallon of distilled water every 3-4 months - so, total cost, around $40). 06/03/2008: I did this conversion solo, but had some help lifting the motor for installation. I knew little to nothing about electrical work for cars 1 1/2 months before I started the conversion labor. This site, amongst others, was a source of knowledge that I relied on daily during my major conversion time in May. For those perusing EVs, just jump in, it is worth the time and effort. | |||||||
1973 Volkswagen Squareback
Last Updated 09-04-2010
Copyright © 1997-2012 by Mike Chancey