OwnerSteve M
LocationIthaca, New York United States map
Vehicle1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
South Coast Technologies conversion, with some upgraded components
MotorSiemens 1GV1 Shunt Wound DC
Big forklift motor
DrivetrainVW 4-speed manual
ControllerEHV Systems EHV-1
Simple and robust SEPEX control system.
Batteries18 US Battery 145XC, 6.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
Single battery tray welded between the rear wheels, low center of gravity.
System Voltage108 Volts
ChargerZivan NG3
220 VAC input, output voltage regulated up to 129 V, maximum DC current 20A.
HeaterNone at the moment. The original kerosine heater was removed by a previous owner. The VW blower still works, however.
DC/DC ConverterMeanwell SD-500H-12
Orig. EHV converter and small aux battery.
2013: upgraded to more powerful Meanwell 480W converter.
InstrumentationClassy back-lit analog gauges. Odometer, current, and voltage gauges were moved to center dash for easier viewing.
Top Speed55 MPH (88 KPH)
I have not pushed the top speed above 55. This car is used mainly for stop-and-go city driving (35 mph speed limit).
AccelerationNot bad... can probably beat a Prius of the line. Plenty of power for maintaining speed on hills around town.
Range40 Miles (64 Kilometers)
Mfg claims range of 40 miles.
Watt Hours/Milein the range of 300-500 whr/mile depending on the terrain.
EV Miles
Current:8,072 Miles (12,987 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity2 adults
Curb Weight3,100 Pounds (1,409 Kilograms)
includes ~ 1100 lb battery pack
TiresHigh performance tires for low rolling resistance (Sumitomo HTR200 175HR13).
Additional FeaturesA note about the unique controller: the accelerator pedal position determines the field strength, and therefore motor RPM (motor is most efficient between 2000 and 4000 RPM). Letting off the accelerator pedal can produce very strong regenerative breaking, depending on which gear is selected. The motor idles when the car is stopped, just like an ICE.
Was originally purchased from SCT by local utility company for use as a meter-reading vehicle. It was evidently vehicle number "3" from the sticker on the dash board.

code by jerry