Converting a '65 VW Ghia to an Electric Car
by Russell
(Maui, HI)
Doug Teeple's '72 Karmann-Ghia
I'd like to know where to go to explore the possibility of converting a '65 VW Ghia to electric. What I might expect cost wise, driveability, range, etc.?
Would this be more of a novelty vehicle at the end of the day or a genuine daily driver with a reasonable street/highway speed and range between charges? I've been obsessing over which engine to build for this car when it gets a full restoration. It seems as though an electric conversion may be a brilliant solution.
Thanks,
Russell Yerxa
Hi, Russell!
Brilliant it is. Best use I can think of for one of these lovely creatures; )
Actually, a guy from Kamuela, HI converted the Ghia in the picture above. I discovered him at Austin EV's Photo Album. You can check out his conversion website, The Electric Karmann Ghia Project, for full details on this conversion.
He says he paid about 10K for all the parts and batteries.
It's a very basic DC conversion, nothing fancy. He used marine batteries, 85 AH, which I wouldn't recommend, and in retrospect, he probably doesn't either; ) It goes 60mph, though, and gets him around town.
Me? I'd put a herd of 6v golf cart batteries in there instead, and a LOT more amp-hours. Keep in mind that amp-hours are heavy little things, and the more of them you have, the more sluggish your acceleration may become...there's a tradeoff.
As for drivability, I'll let him speak for himself. Doug wrote this in his conversion diary:
May 6, 2007: Drive! When you sit in traffic you don’t use power or produce exhaust. Once you are up to speed you glide - no pistons and no automatic transmission to cause drag. The experience is way different than gas. Pop the clutch on a gas engine, it stalls. Pop the clutch in an electric and you rocket through a wall...
Yesss!
What he doesn't mention is how ADDICTIVE that electric drive feeling is, but you might be able to guess from his description; )
Enjoy your conversion, and keep us posted!
Regards,
Lynne
P.S. Read my article on Electric car conversion kits when you get a chance. It'll get you started in the right direction!
