Bench testing motor and transmissionMotor mountedController panelDashboardCustom interior to hide all the batterie
OwnerPeter Chave
LocationLawrenceville, Georgia United States map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1973 Volkswagen Microbus
MotorNetgain Warp 9 Series Wound DC
Drivetrain4 speed manual
ControllerEvnetics Soliton Jr
600A
Batteries48 GBS 100Ah, 3.20 Volt, Lithium Iron Phosphate
Lithiumate Lite BMS managing the pack.
System Voltage154 Volts
ChargerManzanita Micro PCF-30
Given universal voltage and battery type
make this charger a safe choice as the
project develops.
HeaterCoat, Hat & Gloves
DC/DC Converter Evolve Electrics Generic DC-DC
55A output
InstrumentationPack Amps, Pack Volts, Motor Overheat, BMS
error, Lowest cell, Highest cell temp.
Top Speed70 MPH (112 KPH)
As fast I as need to go...
AccelerationVery reasonable, need to use 1st for steep
hills, otherwise 2nd or 3rd to pull away is
fine.
Range40 Miles (64 Kilometers)
Watt Hours/Mile350 Wh/Mile
With original Lead pack was around 425,
initial tests with Li giving results in the
350 range.
EV Miles
Start:62,445 Miles (100,474 Kilometers)
Current:69,780 Miles (112,276 Kilometers)
Total:7,335 Miles (11,802 Kilometers)
 
    As of 10/5/2013
Seating Capacity4 adults
Curb Weight2,723 Pounds (1,237 Kilograms)
2,723 lbs is the factory original curb
weight.

My calculated difference between the
original ICE+gas tank and the
Motor/Controller/Batteries is net
decrease of about 200 lbs.

I'll add another 150 lbs for misc
mounting pieces and other strengthening
items. So looking just under the original
curb weight.
Tires195/50R15
Conversion Time3 Months of one night a week at the shop,
plus hours of planning...
Additional 1 month of time, working nights
and weekends to upgrade to LiFEPO4.
Conversion Cost$10,000 all in, including the bus.
Additional $8,000 for LiFEPO4 upgrade.
Additional FeaturesLithimate BMS + homemade RPi based web server to generate web
page with battery statistics for viewing on WiFi enabled
devices (iPhone, etc.)
12/12/2009 : It's on the road!!! - Woo hoo!
Thanks to everyone on the EV forums for help and advise!
02/08/2010 : First electric commute!
07/25/2012 : Completed LiFEPO4 upgrade, very happy!

code by jerry