Paul, it is so uncanny you mentioned this (and started a new topic area) at just this precise time!

Lately I've found myself very interested in electric vehicles, like just over the last week or 2.  It partially might have come from recently watching the show - Who Killed the Electric Car?  For whatever reason I've become a lot more aware of the "drug dealer" like connection the Big Oil companies have with all us normal "junkie" consumers that are heavily addicted to what they're "dealing"!  The fact that they have one hand in each of our wallet pockets... steadily siphoning out our hard earned $$$$ just doesn't sit to well!!!

I've long had a passing interested in the EV concept - but "realistic" operating ranges and performance has until just lately been the realm of high dollar exotics and uber-expensive prototypes.  So I've been doing a lot of reading up on what the current "home builder" technology level is.  It seems not only are there going to be at least a couple of factory built all electric models coming out in 2010-2011, but likely many more in the next few years.  What is exciting is the grass roots level of involvement is much larger and more advanced than I imagined - with LOTS of EVs (conversions) running out there right now.  Not only that, but what was unobtanium exotic in motor and battery technology just a few years ago is actually getting affordable now, with the promise of getting much more affordable when electrics start becoming more mainstream.

Huge learning curve though - what with all the various motors, controllers and especially battery technology out there now.  It takes a while to digest!

I was thinking more along the lines of a daily "commuter" car as my work commute would be ideal for such a current technology vehicle.  OTOH, an electric buggy, in the right setting, would be a lot of fun too!  I don't see why one couldn't pack the areas of rear seat, front fuel tank and around the engine with the necessary batteries.  With the promise of overall lightness, I can only imagine you could put together a real Hot Rod if you wanted!

Jeff

There is a purple electric buggy I have seen at shows in Seattle:
http://www.megawattmotorworks.com/display.asp?dismode=article&artid=180

Rob

I would run it through a CVT trans like the ones used in the new side by side ATV's.
Paul, It cost Dave about $7500 not including the car to convert the GEO there is however a rebate from the government.

Have done several VW based electrics over the years.  I just picked up a Concept 1 in a field in Texas.  Has a 65 swing axel.  Will be installing a 48 volt motor (will run constant duty at 60V at 120A full tilt) and a self built IGBT controller with a 5K pot.  5(Ea) 12V deep cycles will push it down the road in 4th gear at 52mph with a range of 32 miles.  That's enough to get me from my wife's house in Minnesota to my building 13 miles away.

May I suggest you contact the local Electric Automobile Assn (EAA)   in your area.  Were a bunch of electric car experimenters not unlike the AARL (Ham Radio) folks.  If you'd like to see this months national newsletter please feel free to e mail me and I'll send you a PDF file.  Lot's of great technical information
scattered throughout.

The megawatt motorworks web site is gone, but I know which purple beach buggy you are talking about! Near the bottom of this page is a picture of my buggy. There are several other electric VWs too.

The car is being rebuilt, here are some pictures of my current progress.

I took my heavy duty mechanics at ACC Assiniboine Comunity College in Brandon Manitoba and there was a 68?? VW bug  that was converted to electric ,I think that it was done up in 1990?? And was driven around , if I remember it had old highway truck battery's at the time I think it was good for about ten mile range , but with today's batteries who knows what it might do  ?