Initial teardownthe GE motormotor compartment
OwnerDaniel Rubino
LocationCarol Stream, Illinois US map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1973 Volkswagen Beetle
condition: old
MotorGeneral Electric 5BT1346B52 Series Wound DC
Drivetrainstock; 4 speed
tires: Firestone F-560 165R15 86T
Controller
no controller - just contactors
Batteries6 US Battery US12VXC, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
System Voltage72 Volts
ChargerSchumacher SE-1072
HeaterJohnny Hand-Warmers
DC/DC Converter none yet...
Instrumentation0-400 amp shunt meter and Hobbs elapsed time meter
Top Speedproject still under construction:
1st gear = 25 mph
2nd gear = 36 mph
3rd gear = 53 mph
Acceleration0.2 g's (6 ft/s/s)
Rangehave taken it 14 miles without performance sag
Watt Hours/Mile453 Wh/Mile
clarification: this includes all charger losses and equalization losses. Just cruising, it is more like 291 wh/mile.
EV Miles
Start:78,923 Miles (126,987 Kilometers)
Current:79,088 Miles (127,252 Kilometers)
Total:165 Miles (265 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity2 adults
TiresFirestone F560 165R15 86T
pumped up to 40 psi
Conversion Time5 months (weekends). Have had it one year now, driving last 6 months.
Conversion Cost$5755 is what I told my wife.
Additional FeaturesI thought just a contactor, clutch, and gearbox would be enough for speed conotrol. It does work but the downside is higher energy consumption. Still thinking about a speed controller, too.
First successful road test 14 Feb 2009.
5.0 miles at 27 mph in 1st gear.
(Speedo cable problem at start of test repaired)
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Addition test to 42 mph in 3rd gear on 28 Feb 2009.
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At 50 mph, 3rd gear, 300 amps, 72 v., 26 June 2009.
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Have driven it 165 miles so far - don't go out in the rain as VW engine louvers are open on top of the motor and contactors. Have to figure out a cover for that...

code by jerry