Electro in the shopRemoving the engineIn goes the motorThe operation is a success
OwnerRob Trahms
LocationEdmonds, Washington US map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1989 Volkswagen Cabriolet
MotorNetgain ImPulse 9 Series Wound DC
Fit PERFECTLY with adapter plate and mount from Electro Auto!
DrivetrainManual FWD 5-speed
ControllerCafe Electric Z1K-HV
Installed!
Batteries15 Exide Orbital, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, AGM
Front and Rear battery racks have been installed (Electro Auto). Batteries arrived 5/23 and were installed 5/25. Under-car conduit, and all cables complete.
System Voltage180 Volts
ChargerManzanita Micro PFC-20
11 weeks since I ordered it, and it is still not here. Grrrr. Should be here any time (I hear).
HeaterNone yet (considering ceramic electric heater)
DC/DC ConverterBelktronix
Installed!
Top Speed75 MPH (120 KPH)
(projected)
AccelerationWicked (will have short bursts of up to 800 amps)
Range40 Miles (64 Kilometers)
(projected)
Watt Hours/Mile250 Wh/Mile
(projected)
Seating Capacity4 adults
Curb Weight2,900 Pounds (1,318 Kilograms)
(projected)
TiresCurrently stock VW wheels & tires.
Plan on replacing tires with low-resistance type
Conversion TimeSo far:
~8 months calendar time
~6 weeks actual effort

Conversion Cost~$15.5K, including car & batteries
Additional FeaturesConvertible! No A/C required!
Bought donor vehicle for $450 in September 2007.
ICE came out on 11/25/2007.
Gas tank and fuel lines came out on 12/22/2007.
Manual steering rack installed on 12/22/2007.
Winter Break - too chilly to work on car!
Removed unnecessary engine electrical wiring on 2/1/2007.
Rebuilt rear brakes/wheels on 2/15/2008.
Electric motor and controller bought on 3/1/2008.
Front & rear battery racks bought on 3/15/2008.
Electric motor/tranny installed on 4/19/2008.
Front & rear battery racks installed on 5/17/2008.
Batteries installed on 5/25/2008.
HV cabling completed on 6/22/2008.
Z1K-HV & HB2 arrived on 6/23/2008.
Belktronix DC/DC arrived/installed 7/6/2008.
LV wiring completed on 7/15/2008.
System test completed on 7/31/2008. It works!
Maiden voyage on 8/1/2008.

Still waiting to receive the Manzanita Micro PFC-20 battery charger, which is on back order. I can drive it around a little bit, but don't want to run the batteries down too far without the charger.

code by jerry