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Have you considered converting a Leaf into a light PU:https://www.greencarreports.com/new...-leaf-electric-pickup-truck-for-shop-use-only
The used Leaf prices have dropped quite a bit now. You may be able to find a rear end or top damaged one at an even lower price. A big advantage is that the Leaf will have most of the modern safety and comfort features. Heater/defroster, AC, possibly DC fast charge, air bags, etc. Some of these features are real PITA or nearly impossible to incorporate in an ICE conversion. Maybe someone else can pencil out the cost comparisons VW PU to EV conversion vs Leaf to PU conversion.
Work-wise, you can get some idea of what's required by looking at the recent Model 3 "Truckla" PU conversion. The roof and support pillars are stressed members in a uni-body vehicle, like the Leaf. If they are modified or removed, additional bracing and structure will need to be added to make up for their loss. As seen in the Model 3 conversion, it's not that complicated. I suspect designing and making the tail gate fully functional required the largest chunk of time. Using existing PU bed and rear window sections from other PUs made the conversion much easier
Some people have complained about the Leaf ugliness factor. I suspect in your case, with the VW PU, you have already dealt with that issue.
The used Leaf prices have dropped quite a bit now. You may be able to find a rear end or top damaged one at an even lower price. A big advantage is that the Leaf will have most of the modern safety and comfort features. Heater/defroster, AC, possibly DC fast charge, air bags, etc. Some of these features are real PITA or nearly impossible to incorporate in an ICE conversion. Maybe someone else can pencil out the cost comparisons VW PU to EV conversion vs Leaf to PU conversion.
Work-wise, you can get some idea of what's required by looking at the recent Model 3 "Truckla" PU conversion. The roof and support pillars are stressed members in a uni-body vehicle, like the Leaf. If they are modified or removed, additional bracing and structure will need to be added to make up for their loss. As seen in the Model 3 conversion, it's not that complicated. I suspect designing and making the tail gate fully functional required the largest chunk of time. Using existing PU bed and rear window sections from other PUs made the conversion much easier
Some people have complained about the Leaf ugliness factor. I suspect in your case, with the VW PU, you have already dealt with that issue.