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Date:         Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:57:43 -0400
Reply-To:     "Jack R." <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Jack R." <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: eBus project: A T2 Westfalia converted with electric motor
              and LiIon batteries.
Comments: To: Poppie Jagersand <poppie.jagersand@YAHOO.CA>
In-Reply-To:  <263805.97838.qm@web45301.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Very well logged, despite the loss of his files due to the virus!

I read 80% of it... may have missed a few items, but I'm sure many on the list have basic questions: 1. Total project cost 2. Total project time (not counting research) 3. Range of your Electric Westy 4. Top speed 5. Time to recharge 6. Estimated "cost" to recharge 7. For us not as lucky to live in Sunny California (how does one get heat)... something many air cooled owners are use to!

Would there be a cost / range benefit to add a large solar panel to your roof?

I really appreciate the time this guy has taken to log this project!!! And the fact that Martin shared this!!!! With the economy so bad, it is this type of effort and innovation that really brings to light the ability of people to make positive (no pun intended) use of their time, energy and wisdom.

As a Vanagon Westy owner who came very close to doing a TDI conversion, I took an extra interest in your project. There needs to be alternatives available to those of us who are willing and able.

Jack R. 84 Westy Wolfie, N. of Detroit

-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Poppie Jagersand Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 11:05 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: eBus project: A T2 Westfalia converted with electric motor and LiIon batteries.

With rather more modest goals (building an eBike) I was reading the electric vehicle forums and stumbled on a a guy that is converting his Westfalia camper to electric:

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=8012

eBus, or since it is a poptop camper, maybe ePop, turns out to a good idea. With light LiFePO4 batteries and motor, the ePop weighs less than with the gas engine, and according to the builders initial impressions is quicker.

Not sure how many other eBus projects are out there. An EV enthusiast Otmar used to post to the list about his plans to make a stretch Vanagon into a hybrid; electric front wheel and gas rear wheel drive. Never heard if the project finished. Years ago there were also some 79 loafs converted with conventional lead acid batteries. Took up much of the weight capacity, and didn't last many recharge cycles. However now new battery tech is changing the equation.

Martin (with non-E, '82 Poptop Westy, 1.9TD and soon to be eBike on the bike rack)

__________________________________________________________________ Instant Messaging, free SMS, sharing photos and more... Try the new Yahoo! Canada Messenger at http://ca.beta.messenger.yahoo.com/ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.15/2003 - Release Date: 03/15/09 14:07:00


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