Trystan Casey
Converting a 65 VW Beetle to electric power is a popular choice due to the car's compact drivetrain, which can fit in the spacious undercarriage of the Beetle, freeing up the engine compartment to be used as a trunk. This conversion has been performed since the 1970s, with conversion kits including motors, controllers, transmission adapters, and batteries. While the conversion can be expensive, with batteries being the most costly component, it offers environmental benefits and preserves the classic style of the Beetle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Motor | Hyper9 |
| Horsepower | 120 |
| Battery | 25 kWh Tesla battery pack, LiFePo4 batteries, lead acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries |
| Range | 80-90 miles, 100 miles, 120 miles |
| Charger | 6.6 kW |
| Brakes | Disc brakes |
| Heater | PTC electric heater element |
| Fuel gauge | Will display State Of Charge (SOC) |
| Oil light | Becomes a system "Fault light" |
| Generator light | Becomes a system "Power Limit" warning light |
Explore related products
$26.96 $28.99
Conversion kits
The kits include the parts needed to transform a gas-powered VW Beetle into an electric vehicle. This includes an electric motor, batteries, a motor controller, and other components. There are different types of kits available, tailored to the needs of different users. For example, a premium kit includes a powerful electric motor, high-capacity batteries, advanced motor controllers, battery management systems, wiring harnesses, and mounting hardware.
Some kits are designed for specific models, such as the VW Beetle (1956-1977) EV Conversion Kit, which features the powerful Hyper9 motor, a transmission adapter, and all the components required to build your traction pack. This kit allows you to preserve the classic style of the Beetle while enjoying the benefits of modern electric vehicle technology.
Other kits, such as the one offered by Electric Classic Cars, are designed to be "plug and play" with installation times of under 80 hours. This kit includes motor cooling and complete HV and LV wiring looms, and is suitable for left and right-hand drive Beetles.
In addition to the automotive industry, conversion kits are also used in the renewable energy industry, green transportation industry, and by research and educational institutions.
Electric Boilers: Turn Off to Save Money?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cost
The cost of converting a 1965 VW Beetle to electric depends on a variety of factors, including the type of motor, controller, and batteries used. Some people have managed to convert their Beetles to electric for around $6,000, but this may involve using cheaper options such as a forklift motor and refurbished deep-cycle marine/RV batteries. The benefit of using a forklift motor is that they can be relatively inexpensive and easy to source, but you may need to use more voltage than with a standard DC motor.
Another option is to use a golf cart controller, which can also be cheaper than a store-bought controller, and can handle more voltage than a golf cart motor. However, some have expressed concern about whether this option has enough electrical skill required for the conversion.
If you are looking for a more powerful motor, a Hyper9 120hp motor can be paired with a 25kWh Tesla battery pack, which will give you an 80-90 mile range, but this option will likely be more expensive.
For those looking for a turn-key solution, Volkswagen offers a professional conversion service that uses production parts of the highest quality. This service costs the equivalent of $55,000 to bolt your Beetle's body onto a new platform with the electric drive system installed.
Overall, the cost of converting a 1965 VW Beetle to electric can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the specific parts used and the level of professionalism involved.
The Electro Remix of 'Do You Love Me
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Batteries
Firstly, the range of the battery is important. A 25kWh battery pack can give a range of 80-90 miles, while a 32kWh battery can provide a range of around 120 miles. The required range will depend on the intended use of the vehicle, for example, whether it will be used for short commutes or longer journeys.
The type of battery is another key consideration. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used and offer good efficiency, but they can be expensive. Lead-acid batteries are a cheaper alternative, often used in forklift motors and refurbished deep-cycle marine/RV batteries, but they are less efficient. Repurposed batteries from electric vehicles are also an option, which can provide a cost-effective solution while supporting sustainability.
The weight and size of the battery pack are also important factors. The VW Beetle has a surprisingly large amount of open space under the rear luggage area, which can accommodate the battery pack and free up the engine compartment for additional trunk space. However, the weight of the battery pack can affect the vehicle's performance and PSI, so a balance must be struck between range and weight.
The discharge rates of the batteries are another technical aspect to consider. When connecting multiple batteries in parallel, the discharge currents need to be calculated to determine the maximum discharge current of the battery pack.
Finally, the cost of the batteries is a significant factor. Batteries can be expensive, and the overall cost of the conversion must be weighed against the potential savings in fuel costs and lower running expenses.
Overall, choosing the right batteries for converting a 1965 VW Beetle to electric involves considering range, battery type, weight, size, discharge rates, and cost to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
Lift Kits: Electric Cart Performance Enhancers or Detractors?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Heating and cooling
The original Beetles were known for having issues with their heat and windshield defrost ducts. When converting to electric, one must consider how to add a simple and reliable electric heat source while also being able to plumb the air to the existing vents. A routine step in the conversion process is to cut, crimp, and add a protective heat-shrink tube to the rear battery box cables.
During electrical testing, the heater fan is one of the components that is tested while connected to a 12V battery, with a minimal inline fuse to protect wiring and components.
When converting a VW Beetle to electric, it is important to consider the heating and cooling needs of the vehicle and to install a system that provides adequate warmth and ventilation. This may involve adding a console with heat control knobs and vents, as well as ensuring that the electric heat source is simple, reliable, and plumbed correctly to the existing vents.
Electric Toothbrushes: Friend or Foe of Sensitive Teeth?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Electric vehicle technology
One of the key considerations when converting a VW Beetle to electric is the type and size of the battery. While LiFePo4 batteries can provide a range of around 120 miles, they are expensive. A more affordable option is to use refurbished deep-cycle marine or RV batteries (lead-acid), which are wildly cheaper but do not offer the same efficiency as lithium-ion batteries. Another option is to use a Tesla battery pack, which can provide a range of 80 to 90 miles.
The conversion process also involves making changes to the heating and defrosting systems. In the stock VW, pressurized air came from the cowled engine cooling fan, so a simple and reliable electric heat source needs to be added, as well as plumbing the air to the existing vents. 3D printing can be used to create adapters and manifolds for the heating and defrosting systems.
Another consideration when converting a VW Beetle to electric is the range that the vehicle will have. For example, it takes 20kW to maintain 75 mph in a 3500# vehicle. The weight of the batteries can also affect the PSI of the vehicle, so this needs to be taken into account when choosing the battery type and size.
Overall, converting a VW Beetle to electric can be a complex and costly process, but it can also be a fun project for classic car enthusiasts. It allows them to preserve the classic style and charm of the Beetle while enjoying the benefits of modern electric vehicle technology, such as reduced pollution and fighting climate change.
Electric Supply Experts in Kissimmee, FL: A-Team Inc
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
By converting your Beetle to electric, you can preserve the classic style of your car while enjoying the benefits of modern electric vehicle technology. You will also be reducing your environmental impact and helping to fight climate change.
You will need an electric motor, a transmission adapter, and batteries. You may also need to purchase a heater mounting console and explore options for adding a simple and reliable electric heat source.
The cost of conversion kits varies, but they can be expensive. The price of batteries and electronics is steadily decreasing, and you may be able to source some parts secondhand.
The time it takes to convert a Beetle to electric depends on the specific approach and parts used. Some companies offer conversion kits that can be installed in a day, while others may take longer depending on the complexity of the build.
