| Owner | Mr. Sharkey | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner's Other EVs | GE ElecTrak E-20 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit L | ||
| Location | Minerva, Oregon United States map | ||
| Web/Email | WebPage | ||
| Vehicle | Volkswagen The front half of a 1978 VW Rabbit with the rear quarter of a 1984 VW Cabriolet grafted on the back | ||
| Motor | Volkswagen unknown 1.6 liter/52 HP, normally-aspirated four cylinder diesel fueled by Biodiesel | ||
| Drivetrain | 3-speed automatic transmission from a 1983 VW Rabbit supplies ground traction to wheels | ||
| Batteries | 1 Johnson Controls FRB 12-225, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Gel Trailer engine starting battery | ||
| System Voltage | 12 Volts | ||
| Charger | Bosch 55 ampere V-belt driven alternator | ||
| Heater | Original heater core mounted in grille for additional cooling. Radiator fitted with pump-driven water misting system to provide additional cooling. | ||
| Instrumentation | Alternator Oil Pressure Glow Plugs Active Temperature Fuel level Cruise control fault | ||
| Top Speed | 75 MPH (120 KPH) It would probably go faster, but I chickened out. | ||
| Acceleration | Suprisingly good when used in parallel mode with the EV's electric drive. Climbs mountain passes with gusto! | ||
| Range | 300 Miles (482 Kilometers) per tank. Averaging 25-30 MPG on Biodiesel, depending on terrain. | ||
| EV Miles |
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| Seating Capacity | The trunk is big enough for one... | ||
| Curb Weight | 1,100 Pounds (499 Kilograms) | ||
| Tires | P175-70/13 | ||
| Conversion Time | Seven Months, December 2000 - July 2001 | ||
| Conversion Cost | $3,500, including the rebuilt engine and many, many trial-and-error projects done and redone until suitable results were obtained. | ||
| Additional Features | Completely rebuilt diesel engine fitted with an LPG (propane) fumigation system to enhance power and economy. Cold air induction from cowl-mounted intake scoop. Controller can be installed at trailer tongue for demonstrations at events, etc. | ||
| The pusher is used with Sharkey's 1981 VW Rabbit EV WebPage Electric vehicles are great for around-town driving. Clean, quiet, and up to the task of keeping up with urban traffic. Longer trips can be difficult. What's needed is a way to convert the EV into a hybrid for longer distances. Enter the EV pusher trailer, which allows me to have an internal combustion engine to drive the EV forward longer distances when needed, but is detachable for around town use when I want to drive as a pure electric vehicle. Additional resources: -= As seen on the "Coolfuels Roadtrip" TV series! =- WebPage Read the Home Power magazine article in .pdf format: WebPage More about LPG fumigation: WebPage | |||
Pusher Trailer
Last Updated 05-24-2019
Copyright © 1997-2024 by Mike Chancey