1966 Volkswagen Bus
This 1966 Volkswagen Bus is undergoing full restoration bodywork. As a DYIer, Jon is now in need of an EV conversion kit. His expectations are realistic and respectful of the spirit of the VW buses. It would primarily be driven during weekends for leisure. He expects it to be just a bit more powerful than before, with a top speed of 70mph and a range of 100 miles.
This 1966 Volkswagen Bus is located in Bellingham, Washington, and was powered by a 1600cc engine coupled with a 4-speed manual transmission. Jon bought it in 2000 and has garaged it since. The bus is now undergoing full restoration bodywork and will be equipped with disc brakes at the front and the rear. No AC and or power steering is required.
As a DYIer, Jon is now in need of an EV conversion kit. His expectations are realistic and respectful of the spirit of the VW buses. It would primarily be driven during weekends for leisure. He expects it to be just a bit more powerful than before, with a top speed of 70mph and a range of 100 miles. “It would be nice to push into the 125-mile range, but it will mostly be driven locally. I would be more concerned about battery weight than cost”. Charging at home would mostly happen at night in less than 7 hours.
Jon has no preference for motors or batteries - used batteries and/or motor is desirable. He would like to keep the four-speed manual transaxle but he’s not opposed to a direct drive transmission style. One of his goals would to be able to return the vehicle to stock should that need arise. “A preferred system would retain that ability even if it suffers in other capabilities.”
EV gauges will replace factory gauge configuration.
No towing requirements.
-
Year1966
-
MakeVolkswagen
-
ModelBus
-
LocationWashington
-
RunNo
-
Street useYes
-
DrivetrainREAR-WHEEL DRIVE (RWD)
-
TransmissionManual 4-speed
-
Front brakesDisc
-
Rear brakesDisc
-
Upgrade brakesMaybe
-
Upgrade wheels/tiresYes
-
Upgrade suspensionNo
-
Upgrade interiorNo
-
Power steeringNo
-
ACNo
-
Primary charging locationHome
-
Charging station neededYes
-
DIY100% myself (do it yourself)
-
EV conversion training neededYes, virtual only
-
EV drive trainRear-wheel drive (RWD)
-
EV HP100-150 hp
-
EV torque-- I don't know
-
EV expectationsA bit more powerful than today
-
EV top speed70 mph
-
EV range100 miles
-
EV charging timeMedium (4-7 hours)
-
TowingNo
-
Use of used partsOnly used EV parts for batteries and/or motor