OwnerScott Harrison
LocationSanta Cruz, California United States map
WebWebPage
Vehicle1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
White 4 door 1979 manual transmission VW Rabbit. Seats 4.
Motor
Not documented.
DrivetrainOriginal 4 speed transmission with clutch.
ControllerCurtis 1221
Batteries16 US Battery T-125, 6.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
8 batteries in front under hood.
8 batteries in sunken rack under rear hatch area.

*** These now need to be replaced.
System Voltage96 Volts
ChargerZivan NG-1
Charger bought new in March 2008.

The juice is supplied by the 3.4 kw grid-tied solar electric photovoltaic system on my roof. This car truly runs on sunshine.
HeaterHeater - warm clothes.
A/C - windows roll down *manually* (it's a feature)
Fans work OK though.
DC/DC ConverterSevcon 128/12
InstrumentationElectro Automotive logo Volt and Amp meters. The analog clock, speedo and odo all work, too. Bonus!
Top Speed65 MPH (104 KPH)
Previous owner says it'll go 75 mph - downhill.
AccelerationNot bad at all 0-40.
40-65 is not so peppy.
Range50 Miles (80 Kilometers)
Previous owner claims 50-60. We'll see. Longest daily mileage so far is 31 miles.
Seating Capacity4 adults and a load of shopping at Costco.
TiresSumitomo steel belted radials
Conversion Time2 years trolling evtradingpost, evtrader, ebay and craigslist for a quality EV conversion in the area.
Conversion CostElectro Auto VoltsRabbit Kit:
$10,500 (incl shipping)

Sixteen 6v PbA US Batteries:
$1,200 (est.)

Labor and tools to convert:
$2,000 (est.)

Rolling Rabbit 'donor' glider:
$700 (est.)
Additional FeaturesAdded since purchase:
- "gas" cap cover of charger socket inlet
- passenger side mirror (cheapo)
- charger base (wood)
- Panasonic CD/iPod/AM/FM player and new speakers, antennae
- 4 VW dog dish hub caps -1 lost already :(
- extra charging cord to keep in the car (25' shorter cord is better!)
- custom "ICELESS" license plates.

Planned / possible improvements:
paktrakr, vent window handles, windshield washer, bumper pads, back door on driver side is stuck closed, no spare tire, custom paint job.

Comes with a mysterious random, rattle in the back.
Purchased Sept 2, 2008.
Conversion based on Electro Automotive's VoltsRabbit kit. This was converted by Mike Brown for a woman in Oakland years ago. Mike is the guru and author of 'Convert It' the bible for conversions. This is a very high quality conversion - by the book. Previous owner had it 6 years in Oakland. Before that someone had it 2 years.

Sold 12/5/12 in Santa Cruz. Good luck Alex!

code by jerry