Do you want an electric A2?

Wouldn't that be fantastic :) I suppose the nail in the coffin would be whether the governemnt will accept cars that have been converted within the emisisons zones of the cities.
I don't see why central and local government wouldn't accept converted electric cars. We won't be polluting and they will be on shaky legal ground if they ban or charge converted electric cars the same as their diesel or petrol variants.
 
Article from the BBC website. They are saying the same thing that a standardised kit of parts would bring the process of electric conversion into a workable price range for us to convert our A2s.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-48956000
Saw that myself and went to the http://londonelectriccars.com/ site. They are saying budget for £20k and also say "We are developing these kits in close communciation with respective car communities. " - maybe someone here with a knacker FSI and £20k could approach them!

There must of been 10-20 A2 EV conversions over the years (mostly DIY) so it's suitable and doable and cost effectiveness is less an issue for die-hard A2 enthusiasts ;)
 
Saw that myself and went to the http://londonelectriccars.com/ site. They are saying budget for £20k and also say "We are developing these kits in close communciation with respective car communities. " - maybe someone here with a knacker FSI and £20k could approach them!

There must of been 10-20 A2 EV conversions over the years (mostly DIY) so it's suitable and doable and cost effectiveness is less an issue for die-hard A2 enthusiasts ;)
It's definitely doable but I'm looking for a quarter of that price. I hope it's possible for £5k soon.
 
Hello,
FWIW I've asked the Lithuanians guys of the YouTube video about their conversion and they answered that the conversion would cost 15,000 Euros. Apart from the considerable cost, in Italy we have the additional problem of MoT that will not accept this conversion if it is not effected with an officially homologated kit, that of course does not exist for the A2...
Best
Stefano
 
New release from Volkswagen - they've teamed up with eClassics to produce the eKafer (eBeetle) using a VW E-Up! as the basis...

 
New release from Volkswagen - they've teamed up with eClassics to produce the eKafer (eBeetle) using a VW E-Up! as the basis...

Excellent - I hope we are getting there with an electric A2 kit.
I was amused and impressed that the eBeetle charging socket is hidden under a lift up rear light cluster.
 
...
I was amused and impressed that the eBeetle charging socket is hidden under a lift up rear light cluster.

Indeed, I thought that was a nice touch. Interested they didn't show any photos of the "front" bonnet though... I'm assuming being Up! based it will be front wheel driven.
 
Surely rear drive for the original beatle
The motor/ gearbox assembly easily adapted for mounting either end
Same output available in forward or reverse
EV West done many

Finding a donor e up is the problem?
 
Surely rear drive for the original beatle
The motor/ gearbox assembly easily adapted for mounting either end
Same output available in forward or reverse
EV West done many

Finding a donor e up is the problem?

From the photos it appears that the rear "engine deck" is now the boot as it is shown empty. And indeed, that was what I initially thought.

Article derived from same press release, but including all the photos :)...


I believe with their tie up with VW they are probably using brand spanking new drive trains.
 
I was more thinking of DIY A2 conversion seeking a donor source
The Beetle in the press photos linked shows the rear axle being driven with the drive unit facing forward
A Leaf unit may work for A2
Damien @ EVBMW on youtube adapted several
 
It's definitely doable but I'm looking for a quarter of that price. I hope it's possible for £5k soon.

My thoughts, too. In fact I was working on the premiss that I'll get another 100k out my TDI before I have to return to this subject. By which time that sort of budget might be workable. Even considering buying a donor car (none runner) and sticking it in a steel container until the time is right.
 
@Weetank2 i think photos 7 and 14 show that the engine is in the front, and the driven wheels are the front

Andrew

PS I am incorrect: thank you @Weetank2 @Kernow A2

PPS pity that the 1303 Beetle, the least attractive model, is the one chosen. Possibly the Brazilian build.
 
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@andrewparkeruk
You could be right but that would butcher the chassis
Photo 11 shows a skateboard drivetrain with motor over gearbox setup on a non steering rear axle and a single hydraulic line with T for rear brake pipes not independant front calipers
White car has visible front yellow springs in other shots projecting above the tyres too
Reckon the rear trunk space created due to the compact motor over box set up not hanging off the rear transaxle so less tail heavy too?
the article also refers to swapping out the old drive train and replacing with e up unit
 
Powertrain shown is rear drive, shows rear of chassis with swing arm suspension, I think that there is a false bulkhead fitted to the engine bay to give extra storage..........
What's of more concern is they change it from air cooled to water cooled!! that'll upset the purists..........LOL
 
New release from Volkswagen - they've teamed up with eClassics to produce the eKafer (eBeetle) using a VW E-Up! as the basis...

Now, if they did something similar for the Karmann Ghia, I could get really excited!
 
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