Jan's 1981 Volkswagen Vanagon

Owner	Jan Steinman
Location	Salt Spring Island, British Columbia Canada ^map
Web/Email	WebPage
Vehicle	1981 Volkswagen Vanagon Diesel glider, has higher gross weight rating than gassers. Aftermarket camper conversion removed. Intended for use as a dedicated farmers market vehicle on an island where you can't drive more than 20 km without getting your wheels wet.
Motor	Netgain TransWarP 9 Series Wound DC I got a great deal on this used motor, but now I have to deal with building a coupler.
Drivetrain	Stock VW 4-speed.
Controller	Curtis 1231C-8601 Got a great deal on eBay.
Batteries	24 Saft 5.180, 6.00 Volt, Nickel-Cadmium, Flooded Got a great deal on these from a person who salvaged them from a bus line.
System Voltage	144 Volts
Charger	Undecided. Leaning on open-source charger from Electric Motor Werks.
Heater	Webasto diesel water heater, fed from stock diesel fuel tank, feeding stock heater core.
DC/DC Converter	Undecided.
Conversion Time	In process.
Conversion Cost	Donor cost $1,000 in 2005. Components cost is $2,900 and counting, with only charger, adaptor/coupler, and frilly stuff left to purchase.
2014-02-17: Seek project approval. 2014-03-08: Procured batteries. 2014-03-21: Procured motor controller. 2014-03-21: Procured motor. Still seeking 500 amp contactor, 10 kW charger, and instrumentation.

1981 Volkswagen Vanagon“Little Miss Sunshine”