VW Caddy questions
I'm about to pull the trigger on this older build and was wondering if anyone could give a heads up on what to look for. I assume it will need batteries soon and am ok with that. Anything else I should be checking on?
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You should look for acid drippings and mist damage to parts of the unibody and components below and down wind of the batteries. The battery trays and tie down frames may not fit the new batteries you might use. I'm guessing there are 16-25 batteries, with most of them taking up a lot of the bed. Also, I'm guessing the gross weight is pushing the max limit. The good news, battery weight wise for~the same amount of range, if you replace the LA with LiFePO4 batteries, it will save ~1/3 on the weight. Batteries with other chemistries might save you up to 2/3 the weight.I'm about to pull the trigger on this older build and was wondering if anyone could give a heads up on what to look for. I assume it will need batteries soon and am ok with that. Anything else I should be checking on?
The controller probably is a Curtis 1231. These controllers were not known for their performance abilities. Slow acceleration and low top speed are the results.
Practically speaking, could this vehicle be driven in the rain, snow, and dirty conditions with the exposed electronics and electrical connections? In an accident, first responders really need to have orange color coded HV wiring and well marked wire disconnect cut sections. Insurance might be a problem.
It looks like you are in Colorado. You should check if there are tax credits for purchase of a used EV, or for a conversion. It may not apply to non-OEM vehicles.
If you are just into having an EV, something like a used Leaf might be a cheaper alternative with much better performance, potentially quicker charging, and quicker to get on the road. Some people are just into messing around with EVs. If this is your case, go for it!
Man, I would love to have this car. The car I've always wanted, seems to be in good condition AND it's converted to electric?
I do prefer the euro grille/lights over the US version though.
Shame I'm too tall to fit in it.
I do prefer the euro grille/lights over the US version though.
Shame I'm too tall to fit in it.
When going through the entire electrical system, be sure to clean all connections and corrosion proof them. Consider moving the batteries under the bed and use gel batteries rather than lead/acid batteries. Lots of different configurations available with side and end terminals to lower the overall height of the batteries for easier fit.
Got it Remy - thanks. I haven't opened the box that was delivered with my e-pedal to see how to adapt it. I leave for Phoenix tomorrow, so wont be back on it til next week.
Actually my stock Volvo lever has spring action with the same arc capability. One reason I went with the PB concept. But I will see if I can adapt the e-pedal, less pedal to do the same. Hope it is not as ugly as the PB mechanism.
Actually my stock Volvo lever has spring action with the same arc capability. One reason I went with the PB concept. But I will see if I can adapt the e-pedal, less pedal to do the same. Hope it is not as ugly as the PB mechanism.
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