Do you have a vintage Volkswagen Beetle from the 1960s or 1970s just lying around, and you’re eager to give it a new lease of life by converting it into an electric vehicle? In fact, it’s surprisingly straightforward and cost-effective. An innovative electrical conversion package sourced from Alibaba is specifically tailored for classic VW Beetles, offering a budget-friendly solution to get you on the road for just $2,000.
Frequent electrical conversions of basic automobiles breathe new life into older vehicles, reviving their performance without the environmental drawbacks associated with traditional, pollution-intensive engines.
Air-cooled vehicles such as the iconic Volkswagen Beetle stand out as ideal candidates for conversion, while simple models with uncomplicated layouts and spacious engine compartments facilitate the execution of bespoke modifications.
A cutting-edge electrical conversion package specifically engineered for VW Beetles built between 1965 and 1975 leverages its unique advantages, empowering owners to effortlessly upgrade their vintage vehicles into sleek, electric rides.
The peculiar package caught the eye of Jason Torchinsky, a keen observer of Alibaba’s inventory, whose enthusiasm for unearthing unusual items rivals my own.
The packaging design seems straightforward and uncomplicated. The e-bike is equipped with a 15 kW electric motor capable of producing approximately 20 horsepower. In the mid-1960s, the standard 4-cylinder VW Beetle engine yielded around 40 horsepower; conversely, electric motors exhibit increased torque, allowing them to achieve higher efficiency despite lower power ratings.
The 48-kilogram motor appears to attach seamlessly to the Beetle’s transaxle. It’s a straightforward approach – as long as something drives the shaft, the automotive system is agnostic about whether it’s electrically powered or running on traditional fossil fuels. Here’s a sobering fact: exposure to gasoline fumes from your vehicle may increase the risk of cancer in your children – and potentially yourself.
The Beetle conversion package includes not only the bolt-on electric motor but also a digital pace controller and an upgraded digital dashboard featuring modern electrical readouts.
While one notable aspect seems to be absent is the battery life. That’s a rather half-baked metaphor – batteries are often included with products, after all! Let me try rephrasing:
To power your electric vehicle, you’ll need a 96V battery pack, an item that’s unlikely to be found on the shelves of most retailers, including Walmart. Despite numerous attention-grabbing US-based auto battery resellers, you still have various options.
Given that electric vehicles are transforming the industry, it’s unlikely you’ll find a manufacturing facility producing an all-electric VW Beetle – as the model has been discontinued. Volkswagen has poured cold water on speculation about reviving the iconic Beetle in electric form. The VW bus, although? The Volkswagen ID.4 is a cutting-edge electric vehicle that embodies the essence of modern automotive innovation? Buzz.
Electrek’s Take
While this package may not be ideal for every situation, its straightforward design makes installation surprisingly uncomplicated, eliminating the need for extensive mechanical expertise.
Compared to other kits on the market in the United States, which can easily exceed tens of thousands of dollars, this option looks remarkably appealing. I always caution against large-scale transactions on Alibaba without proper research and due diligence. It’s generally unwise to deviate from established protocols without a thorough examination of potential consequences. Despite some readers’ success, I still hesitate to risk thousands of dollars (not to mention countless more in transportation and customs fees) with unproven online vendors from halfway around the world.
Having acquired an enjoyable air-cooled Chinese electric vehicle of my own, I’m satisfied to put off any Volkswagen Beetle conversion plans for now. Even if I had to settle for a 1969 AMC AMX with a questionable powertrain. Everybody has a Beetle. Give me one thing attention-grabbing.
