How We Did It
ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
The first step of all builds is to evaluate the existing vehicle performance to determine which motor & battery configuration would provide the desired performance and range expectations of the customer. The customer for this Beetle decided that useability was the most important factor. To accomplish the most reliable, robust drivetrain a Tesla power conversion kit from one of the best kit providers, Electric Classic Cars, was selected for this build.
*Image from electricclassiccars.co.uk website.
DESIGN VALIDATION / PROTYPING
Since Electric Classic Cars has extensive experience converting VW Beetles, design and mock-ups were virtually unnecessary on this build. With a pre-engineered, bolt-in subframe which houses the Tesla motor, battery packs designed to fit under the hood and behind the rear seats and pre-made wire harnesses uncertainty about component layout was non-existant saving tons of engineering cost.
However, the ECC Tesla motor kit does require conversion to a welcomed IRS suspension upgrade implemented on 1969+ Beetle models. The IRS suspension adds a trailing arm which allows for multiple pivot points for the rear wheels so wheel camber is maintained with vehicle weight changes and movements.
*Image from jbugs.com website.
CUSTOM PARTS DESIGN AND ASSEMBLY
COMING SOON!
