Autos & Vehicles

My EV conversion after 10 years and 90k miles

by etischer

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📚 Main Topics

  • Vehicle BackgroundOverview of the Volkswagen Passat's conversion to electric.
  • Conversion ProcessDetails on modifications made during the conversion.
  • Charging SystemExplanation of the charging setup and efficiency measures.
  • Battery Management System (BMS)Insights into the BMS and safety features.
  • Performance and Driving ExperienceDiscussion on the car's performance post-conversion.

✨ Key Takeaways

  • The Passat was purchased in 2008 with a seized cam and converted to electric over ten years ago.
  • The conversion included changing from an automatic to a manual transmission.
  • The vehicle has been low-maintenance, requiring minimal upkeep (no oil changes, brake pad replacements, etc.).
  • A 240-volt charging system was installed, with a timer to charge during off-peak hours.
  • The car runs on a 330-volt battery system, providing significant power (90 kilowatts).
  • The BMS ensures battery safety and performance, with features to monitor voltage and prevent overcharging.
  • The car's regenerative braking system enhances stopping power and efficiency.

🧠 Lessons Learned

  • DIY Electric Vehicle ConversionThe project demonstrates the feasibility of converting a traditional vehicle to electric, showcasing the potential for DIY enthusiasts.
  • Maintenance BenefitsElectric vehicles can significantly reduce maintenance needs compared to traditional combustion engines.
  • Importance of Safety SystemsA robust BMS is crucial for monitoring battery health and ensuring safe operation.
  • Performance InsightsElectric motors provide immediate torque, enhancing driving experience and responsiveness.
  • Incremental ImprovementsContinuous modifications and improvements can lead to a better driving experience over time.

This summary encapsulates the key aspects of the electric conversion of a Volkswagen Passat, highlighting the technical details, performance, and lessons learned from the project.

Transcript excerpt

0:00 this is my volkswagen passat I converted it ten years ago to make it electric and after 90 thousand miles I wanted to give you a quick tour and show you all the modifications I made to make that happen I bought this Passat on Craigslist in 2008 it had a seized cam so I got it for a cheap price and I bought it with the intention of converting it to electric it was an automatic transmission and in the process of converting it to electric

0:30 I converted it to a manual transmission it's a little tattered these days it hasn't received much TLC but I haven't had to do anything to it really I haven't had to change any brake pads I haven't had to do any oil changes or spark plugs or tune ups I change the transmission fluid maybe every twenty thousand miles I'm just because I'm running such high revs on it and I can show you how I charged the car I have a 240 volt circuit here going through a

1:00 spot disconnect and I have a timer installed so that the car will only charge after midnight when electricity is cheaper I also have a 1772 converter so I can use the public charging stations I just have a simple twist lock plug here and when I plug it in I have a dome light so that people know if it's charging or not and I can show you inside the trunk

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