85 VW

85 VW

A VW van makes an ideal EV. Not because it's lightweight; they can carry 8 passengers but they are no featherweight. They're not aerodynamic in the slightest way. They're reliability is a matter of opinion, but typically thought of as less than ideal. In it's defense, it was usually the gas motor causing the problems, not the rest of the vehicle.

So why do VW vans make good EV's? Because they're cool, and you can make anything an EV, some are just better at it than others.

But not many vehicles are as good at being vans, as VW vans. If you had a choice of vans, you wouldn't pick the Aerostar, or the Caravan, you'd go for the VW. The Microbus and Westfalia are icons in both pop-culture history and many peoples fond memories.

This particular VW van is a Vanagon, circa 1985. It has been stripped of it's 4cyl gas engine, and will be receiving a host of EV components. The motor is a Warp 9" from NetGain, which will be powered by 12 X 12V FLA batteries rated at a touch over 100Ah. Using 12V batteries will help to reduce the additional weight added during the conversion, helping to slightly increase it efficiency.

Range is not a priority for this Van as it only has short distances to cover with plenty of charge time available. This combination will provide sufficient torque to overcome the steep hills of North Vancouver, BC, where it will reside.