TheSamba.com :: View topic - Anybody converted to electric with EV West?

Wed Sep 28, 2022 10:09 am

Hi,

New guy here, seriously pumped to be involved. Just bought a 1980 westy and after replacing the fuel pump and filter and trying to chase down vacuum leaks I'm already hankering for a replacement power plant for the aircooled 2.0

My question is: has anyone used the ev west kit for T2 buses up to 1979? Being that my van was manufactured in 1979, it stands to reason that the same engine and transmission went into the vanagons that had gone into buses the previous year.

The problem is the transaxle, if is the same as the previous generation then the conversion kit will work off the shelf, otherwise some fabrication is required.

Ant input would be seriously appreciated!

TIA

Wed Sep 28, 2022 10:16 am

hint - when you post, give us a way to see what you are talking about..like links.

Below is what I found in a quick search. you seems more knowledgable so add the links/pics that you deem relevant and we can help you more accurately

If the kit includes the whole drivetrain as seems indicated in the motoauthorituy link - seems like you'd just have to figure out the CV Axles

If its just the electric motor that is in the EVwest link, then its a whole lot more.

https://www.evwest.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=226

https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1126161_toretto-s-1968-dodge-charger-from-furious-7-is-for-sale

Wed Sep 28, 2022 10:19 am

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a39374083/1966-volkswagen-type-2-bus-ev-conversion/

This EV conversion runs about $55,000 beyond the near-six-figure value of this perfectly restored beauty. (EV West also has conversion kits with less powerful motors starting at $7598, not including battery or installation.) The range, says EV West, is about 95 miles—great for a family day trip to the beach or taking guests around the manse. With this much power, the Type 2 is about at its mechanical limits.

Wed Sep 28, 2022 10:22 am

Link to the kit on ev west https://www.evwest.com/catalog/product_info.php?cP...3857545541

The issue is mainly the adapter which connects the new electric motor to the existing 4 speed transaxle. I have contacted ev west about compatibility and they are not sure, so I thought someone with specific k owlesge might be able to help out.

Wed Sep 28, 2022 11:21 am

Thelovelylimey wrote: Link to the kit on ev west https://www.evwest.com/catalog/product_info.php?cP...3857545541

The issue is mainly the adapter which connects the new electric motor to the existing 4 speed transaxle. I have contacted ev west about compatibility and they are not sure, so I thought someone with specific k owlesge might be able to help out.

Hello!

They should know better, old Porsche, all VW flat four had the same transmission bolt pattern. In your case, the transmission is exactly the same, it is a 091 transmission, just the nose cone differs from the Bay Window later years to the Vanagon.
You were right, they used the same engine basically with different accessories. The mustache bar for the engine is different, but that's on the chassis side of things, I'm not sure if they reuse it or not, but the center piece is what matters for your conversion anyway.

Wed Sep 28, 2022 11:28 am

Thank you so much! I felt sure the hive mind would have this info. I'll let you guys know how the conversion goes!

Wed Sep 28, 2022 11:41 am

Thelovelylimey wrote: Thank you so much! I felt sure the hive mind would have this info. I'll let you guys know how the conversion goes!

Yes please! Post pictures, we love this kind of pictures with details :P