sandrail gone electric in tampa??

7088 Views 7 Replies 7 Participants Last post by buseybr, Jul 23, 2020

laukaitis

Discussion Starter · Mar 9, 2011

I would like to build an electric sandrail

It should have enough power to do about 60 mph or more for 20 miles twice a day, plus 30 mph for a an hour or more. basically enough to drive to the base and do a little driving around then go home. I would like to do this on one charge. if not I know I can plug it in on base. I live in Florida I want to enjoy the weather without the smell or noise of the VW engine. (no offense) and not pay $3.50 a gallon for gas. I don’t want to off road it, just jump a curb once in a while or run it along the beaches.

questions:

1) why has no one done this as a daily driver? are they afraid of the batteries getting wet?
2) Is it the cost of the batteries vs the VW motor not worth it or…..
3) If this is a daily driver how do you calculate the use of lights and radios into the power consumption?
4) How do you calculate the weight of the vehicle VS the power and determine the amount of batteries.

I have novice to beginner mechanical skills, but I have friends who are experts.
Sandrails here are a dime a dozen – no worries there.

I am willing to spend 10 or 15 grand as a project, I will abuse craigslist as much as possible for the parts

Are there any Tampa people that are doing this??

Thanks in advance!!!

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Woodsmith

· #4 · Mar 10, 2011

I did consider a sandrail but they are a little harder to come by over here. The few I found for sale were very nicely done, and costly due to the unwanted chromed ICE with all bells and whistles!

Possibly another issue could be the exposed components, possible theft of parts, damage due to water and dirt, lack of aerodynamics and body work to hide/support batteries.

However, given a nice UVA Fugative....

I could be tempted.

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