Rear End ShotBatteries Under HoodMotor and Batteries in RearPFC-20 13
OwnerRich Acuti
LocationMaryland United States map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1974 Volkswagen Beetle
Standard Bug (Type I), red, 1 each.
MotorAdvanced DC L91-4003 Series Wound DC
Size: 6.7"
Rated for: 72-120 volts
Output: 16 hp continuous
72 hp peak @ 120 volts
DrivetrainStock VW 4 Speed with clutch
ControllerCurtis 1231C
96-144 volts, 500 amps max.
Batteries16 Energizer EGC8, 8.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
110 min. capacity @ 56 amps
System Voltage128 Volts
ChargerZivan NG3 (110VAC)
Selected the NG3 due to cost and simplicity. The low current draw allows me to war charge anywhere.
Heater1500 Watt Ceramic on AC input.
400 Watt hair-dryer on DC inverter.
DC/DC ConverterSevcon 128/12
300 watts max output
Instrumentation(2) Analog Voltmeters (1) Analog Ammeter (by Westach)
Top Speed70 MPH (112 KPH)
(with the new batteries)
AccelerationAcceptable but I try not to accelerate too hard to avoid harming the batteries.
Range40 Miles (64 Kilometers)
Fairly consistent performance.
30 miles at 55-65 mph.
Watt Hours/Mile1st: 35 mph @ 60 amps
2nd: 57 mph @ 80 amps
3rd: 65 mph @ 120 amps
70 mph @ 160 amps
(all amps shown are battery amps)
EV Miles
Start:48,715 Miles (78,382 Kilometers)
Current:58,715 Miles (94,472 Kilometers)
Total:10,000 Miles (16,090 Kilometers)
 
    As of 10/21/2008
Seating Capacity4 adults
Curb Weight2,800 Pounds (1,272 Kilograms)
Pack weighs 1008 lbs.
TiresStock 15" VW Tires (new) with Empi 8-spoke wheels!
Conversion TimeUnknown.
Conversion Cost$7000 (Not including Original Conversion costs) as completed by former owner Will Judy of Alaska.
Additional FeaturesUpgraded from a 1221B Curtis controller to a 1231C Controller.

LED's for parking, brake and turn signal bulbs have reduced the load on the DC converter to almost nothing.

Coil-over shocks have restored the rear ride height to normal and provides a much better ride.

Sirius satellite radio, GPS, 12vdc outlet for cell phone.

Headlights upgraded to H4 halogen.

400 watt DC-AC inverter powers AC devices or hair-dryer heater for heat & defrost while driving.
Paint is very faded now and not as the pictures show. The pictures are several years old. A new paintjob is in the offing.

I was too rough on my initial pack of Astro-lite 8v floodies. They lasted 7,000 miles. Lesson learned: don't draw more than 120-180 amps from 8v floodies. Don't overdischarge.

Replaced the first pack with 8v Energizer EGC8's. These are made by Johnson Controls with the Energizer label.

3686 miles on the Energizer pack so far, no problems to report.

code by jerry