Originally powered by a 50HP, 298CC, 18CI, .3L Air-Cooled L-head single-cylinder, this 1959 BMW ISETTA 300 doesn’t run anymore. This chain-driven rear-wheel drive has a single carburetor, a 4-Speed Manual Gearbox, and a 1-piece rear axle. It is equipped with 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes and a retractable sunroof.  No AC. No power steering.

Roy is a proud owner of a 2022 Tesla Y, he fell in love with this unique car a few months ago. Designed in Italy by Renzo Rivolta’s Isothermos company, BMW introduced this two-seat vehicle with this unique front opening door in 1955. Because of its bubble-like window, the Isetta was the first car to be named as a “bubble car”. Roy will be the main driver after the electric conversion.  He will mainly use it during weekends for leisure driving and charge it overnight.  

From A to Z, Roy wants to handle this project on its own. He will restore it: frame, body, brakes, wheels, suspension, interior...

He also wants to convert the car to electric himself and already knows he will need training. For online courses, he will consider the online program of weber University https://continue.weber.edu/professional/programs/evtraining/.

With a curbweight of 778 lbs, Roy’s requirements are very reasonable. He wants the Isetta to be as powerful as it used to be (13hp), with a top speed of 50 mph and a range of 40 miles.

Roy wants to use as many used EV parts as possible. Lithium for batteries would be preferred, ideally installed behind the driver seat. The transmission must be rebuilt. Removing it would save room and weight, especially for such a microcar. For the motor, he is considering the Mars 1003 24-72 VDC Motor along with the Kelly KDZ72651 or the SR 72500 ALLTRAX controller. He is open to suggestions and will consider any other option from experts of the Fuel2Electric community.

No towing requirements