1965 VW Karmann Ghia1965 VW Karmann Ghia1965 VW Karmann Ghia1965 VW Karmann GhiaMembership in the local association1965 VW Karmann Ghia1965 VW Karmann Ghia1965 VW Karmann Ghia1965 VW Karmann Ghia
OwnerRiaan Timmerman
LocationIrving, Texas United States map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1965 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
Fully restored Ghia with upgraded
suspension and disc brakes all-round
MotorAdvanced DC FB1-4001A Series Wound DC
Drivetrain4-Speed manual transmission
ControllerCurtis 1231C-8601
Batteries12 Deka 31-Gel, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Gel
System Voltage144 Volts
ChargerQuick Charge SCO14410
**February 2010:
Along with the upgraded batteries, the
vehicle was fitted with a 12Vdc charger
for keeping the on-board battery topped
up.
InstrumentationThis is the fun part!
We imported a Xantrex LinkPro Battery
Monitor. It is a drop-in replacement for
the fuel-guage & fits perfectly. It
works great and has a temperature probe
on the batteries too.
Top Speed70 MPH (112 KPH)
The Ghia runs like the wind!! I am afraid
to push it past 70mph as it was not really
built as a race car.
AccelerationAcceleration was not tested. Real life
experience seems comparative to the
performance of a small sedan powered by a
1600CC motor
Range40 Miles (64 Kilometers)
Current Tested Range: 25 Miles (and
growing every day)
Estimated Range: 30 (once batteries are
fully broken in)
The range also depends on the terrain
and how heavy the operator's foot is...
EV Miles
Start:7,100 Miles (11,423 Kilometers)
Current:8,500 Miles (13,676 Kilometers)
Total:1,400 Miles (2,252 Kilometers)
Seating CapacityThe Ghia will seat 4. The rear bench is
more comfortable for kids though.
Curb Weight2,800 Pounds (1,272 Kilograms)
Weight is a rough estimate
TiresSteel-Radials
Conversion Time3-weeks full time, spread over 6 months
Conversion CostStock restored car - $9k
Conversion Cost - $13k
Total Investment - $22k
Additional FeaturesThe audio system was not functional so we
upgraded it with
the Retro-Radio from RetroSound. All round
a great classic
EV.

We added a 13th matching battery to power
on-board
electrical system (horn, lights, radio
etc.). An
alternator, hooked up to the motor keeps
the 13th battery
charged.

**November 2009
The original batteries (Universal Power
Group - UB121100
12V 110Ah) failed after ~7 Months of light
daily driving.
FAIR WARNING: I would not recommend the
UB121100 batteries
for use in an EV.

**December 2009
Purchased 12 Deka Dominator (31-Gel)
batteries for the new
pack (~$2500). The battery post location
is different so a
lot of cables had to be modified to
install the new
batteries.

**February 2010:
The new gel batteries are in and we're
driving again. The
Deka Gel batteries made a world of
difference! Hats' off
to the folks at Penn State for good
quality batteries.
The vehicle was sold to a an electrical
engineering teacher. Hope you are able to use
the vehicle as part of your curriculum.

code by jerry