Find or Sell Used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in USA

Electric 1978 Super Beetle Convertible on 2040-cars

Year:1978 Mileage:37750
Location:

Boulder, Colorado, United States

Boulder, Colorado, United States
Advertising:
Body Type:Convertible
Vehicle Title:Clear
Fuel Type:Electric
Engine:Electric
For Sale By:Private Seller
Year: 1978
Mileage: 37,750
Make: Volkswagen
Model: Beetle - Classic
Trim: Convertible
Drive Type: Electric
Condition: UsedA vehicle is considered used if it has been registered and issued a title. Used vehicles have had at least one previous owner. The condition of the exterior, interior and engine can vary depending on the vehicle's history. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections.Seller Notes:"Excellent condition"

1978 VW Beetle Convertible converted to electric power!


This car is in excellent condition. It was a California car when I bought it with no rust or body damage, and since then I've had it painted and put in a new interior, all in two-tone black and tan.  It has a new top, new tires, rebuilt front suspension, upgraded rear suspension, and 10 new batteries. It is a very cool-looking, sharp car that gets compliments from everyone--college guys to housewives, everyone loves this car.


I bought the electric kit from e-volks.com. It is a 120 volt system, and I just put in ten brand-new deep cycle marine batteries--I have receipts and have only driven it about 10 miles since. There are eleven, 12-volt batteries total. One of them works all the electrics--(headlights, etc.), and the others power the motor. 8 are where the back seat used to be and 3 are in the front trunk. I've had the suspension upgraded to handle the weight, and the car drives and handles well. The main batteries are deep cycle marine type lead acid. It has two on-board chargers--one programmable for the main battery pack, and a smaller charger for the accessory battery. Plug the car in and all batteries are charged at the same time. I plug it in at night and in the morning it's ready to go with a full charge.



Range is about 20 miles or so until you're down to a 50% charge. Top speed is about 60 mph, but the car is happiest in the 40-50 mph range. This car really works well as an urban runabout--I feel like it has better power and pickup than it did when it was gas, at least up to about 40 mph or so. I've had a lot of fun driving it since I built it a few years ago--until recently it was my daily-driver. It's given me 5000 trouble-free miles, but keep in mind that I built it in my garage from a kit and therefore don't guarantee or warranty anything. I'd like it to be sold to an electric-car enthusiast who understands what this car is about and how to care for it.


I've put about $15k into it, but am willing to sell it for much less. I'm only selling it because I bought a new Chevy Volt. Ask me anything and I'll do my best to answer!




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