If you are into bigger custom modifications, Chevrolet sells an eCrate engine kit. It’s basically the drivetrain and battery pack from the Chevy Bolt. You have to figure out how to package it in your car of choice. As a demonstration, they used it to convert a 1977 Chevy Blazer.
Edit: Note that removing the IC engine means you also lose heat, air conditioning, power brakes, and power steering. Those systems all rely on waste heat, belts, or vacuum lines from the IC engine. You need to replace them all with electric devices.
That heavy torque is one reason to keep the car’s gearbox rather than go with direct drive. Chevy’s eCrate kit specifies that it’s intended for use with an automatic transmission, not direct drive.
Note that removing the IC engine means you also lose heat, air conditioning, power brakes, and power steering. T
I know people are used to it, but AC and power-steering are arguably luxuries you can do without. Especially if the car’s light.
The problem is people are also unwilling to uncompromise on range and want an arguably overpowered motor and acceleration, which necesitates a large battery. Large/heavy battery -> power steering + different suspension + better/more expensive brakes + different wheels + … + …
Chuck in a 30hp engine into a classic beetle, limit the range to 100km, and you need a far smaller (and less heavy) battery and it’ll likely be a far easier conversion that’ll likely still outperform an actual classic beetle.
If you want to turn a classic beetle into a tesla killer, with modern luxuries, it’s going to be heavy, difficult to make and expensive.
Remove the IC engine. Install an electric motor and all the necessary electronics: batteries, control circuitry, charging circuitry, etc.
You can find companies selling conversion kits for certain cars. For example, here’s one for a 1970’s VW Super Beetle.
If you are into bigger custom modifications, Chevrolet sells an eCrate engine kit. It’s basically the drivetrain and battery pack from the Chevy Bolt. You have to figure out how to package it in your car of choice. As a demonstration, they used it to convert a 1977 Chevy Blazer.
Edit: Note that removing the IC engine means you also lose heat, air conditioning, power brakes, and power steering. Those systems all rely on waste heat, belts, or vacuum lines from the IC engine. You need to replace them all with electric devices.
We’re expecting all the drivetrain components to hold up to instant torque?
That heavy torque is one reason to keep the car’s gearbox rather than go with direct drive. Chevy’s eCrate kit specifies that it’s intended for use with an automatic transmission, not direct drive.
I know people are used to it, but AC and power-steering are arguably luxuries you can do without. Especially if the car’s light.
The problem is people are also unwilling to uncompromise on range and want an arguably overpowered motor and acceleration, which necesitates a large battery. Large/heavy battery -> power steering + different suspension + better/more expensive brakes + different wheels + … + …
Chuck in a 30hp engine into a classic beetle, limit the range to 100km, and you need a far smaller (and less heavy) battery and it’ll likely be a far easier conversion that’ll likely still outperform an actual classic beetle.
If you want to turn a classic beetle into a tesla killer, with modern luxuries, it’s going to be heavy, difficult to make and expensive.