Find or Sell Used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in USA

Electric 1978 Super Beetle Convertible on 2040-cars

Year:1978 Mileage:37750
Location:

Boulder, Colorado, United States

Boulder, Colorado, United States
Body Type:Convertible
Vehicle Title:Clear
Fuel Type:Electric
Engine:Electric
For Sale By:Private Seller
Year: 1978
Mileage: 37,750
Make: Volkswagen
Model: Beetle - Classic
Trim: Convertible
Drive Type: Electric
Condition: UsedA vehicle is considered used if it has been registered and issued a title. Used vehicles have had at least one previous owner. The condition of the exterior, interior and engine can vary depending on the vehicle's history. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections.Seller Notes:"Excellent condition"

1978 VW Beetle Convertible converted to electric power!


This car is in excellent condition. It was a California car when I bought it with no rust or body damage, and since then I've had it painted and put in a new interior, all in two-tone black and tan.  It has a new top, new tires, rebuilt front suspension, upgraded rear suspension, and 10 new batteries. It is a very cool-looking, sharp car that gets compliments from everyone--college guys to housewives, everyone loves this car.


I bought the electric kit from e-volks.com. It is a 120 volt system, and I just put in ten brand-new deep cycle marine batteries--I have receipts and have only driven it about 10 miles since. There are eleven, 12-volt batteries total. One of them works all the electrics--(headlights, etc.), and the others power the motor. 8 are where the back seat used to be and 3 are in the front trunk. I've had the suspension upgraded to handle the weight, and the car drives and handles well. The main batteries are deep cycle marine type lead acid. It has two on-board chargers--one programmable for the main battery pack, and a smaller charger for the accessory battery. Plug the car in and all batteries are charged at the same time. I plug it in at night and in the morning it's ready to go with a full charge.



Range is about 20 miles or so until you're down to a 50% charge. Top speed is about 60 mph, but the car is happiest in the 40-50 mph range. This car really works well as an urban runabout--I feel like it has better power and pickup than it did when it was gas, at least up to about 40 mph or so. I've had a lot of fun driving it since I built it a few years ago--until recently it was my daily-driver. It's given me 5000 trouble-free miles, but keep in mind that I built it in my garage from a kit and therefore don't guarantee or warranty anything. I'd like it to be sold to an electric-car enthusiast who understands what this car is about and how to care for it.


I've put about $15k into it, but am willing to sell it for much less. I'm only selling it because I bought a new Chevy Volt. Ask me anything and I'll do my best to answer!




Auto Services in Colorado

Weissach Performance ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Diagnostic Service, Truck Service & Repair
Address: Pierce
Phone: (303) 444-7210

We are West Vail Shell ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Parts & Supplies, Towing
Address: Marble
Phone: (888) 425-9820

Vanatta Auto Electric ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Parts & Supplies, Automobile Electric Service
Address: 1981 8th St, Superior
Phone: (855) 226-0713

Tanner 4x4 Inc. ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Parts & Supplies, Automobile Parts & Supplies-Used & Rebuilt-Wholesale & Manufacturers
Address: 1920 E Pikes Peak Ave, Fountain
Phone: (719) 475-8057

Sundance Automotive ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automotive Tune Up Service, Automobile Consultants
Address: 10110 W 26th Ave Ste B, Lakewood
Phone: (303) 445-8869

Steffen Automotive ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Parts & Supplies, Auto Transmission
Address: Snyder
Phone: (970) 483-6357

Auto blog

Volkswagen NMC production guise caught in China

Tue, 29 Apr 2014

Chinese car site Autohome has what are said to be the first pictures of the Volkswagen New Midsize Coupe concept in production form. VW's NMC was just introduced at the Beijing Motor Show, while background chatter indicated it would go on sale in China, Autohome says that production version will be built at the Shanghai-Volkswagen plant in Ningbo, and the retail guise could be introduced at the Guangzhou Motor Show in November and go on sale that same month.
Assuming this is the production car, its main lines have made the jump from the concept but with less fine detailing, a silver hue and with conventional VW wheels it's lost a little bit of oomph. Still, a few checkmarks on the option sheet can fix most of that, the shape remains handsome and the 2.0-liter turbo underhood keeps performance peppy and mileage frugal enough. You can head to Autohome for a couple more photos of a sedan we'd be happy to make room for over here.

Volkswagen Golf Variant Concept R-Line puts the sport in SportWagen

Wed, 06 Mar 2013

With the introduction of the newest Volkswagen Golf Variant, we get an early look at what will most likely be the next-generation Jetta SportWagen here in the US. To further wet our appetities, VW is now teasing something a little sportier with the Concept R-Line. Looking the part of a GTI wagon (or a stretched Golf R), the Golf Variant Concept R-Line has a production-ready appearance that has us hoping we'll see this sporty wagon sooner rather than later.
The R-Line starts off with a new fascia that isn't quite as aggressive as the recently introduced GTI, but it gives the new styling some extra punch. Below the fascia is a lower splitter that visually carries back into the rocker panel extensions, and the rear of the car gets some bright exhaust tips and a rear diffuser. The Lapis Blue Metallic paint job probably does enough on its own to add a sporty flair to the Golf wagon, and it's all finished off with 18-inch split-spoke wheels. Inside, the Concept R-Line shows off sport seats wrapped in carbon leather featuring blue nappa inserts in the middle.
Rightfully so, VW brought the Concept R-Line to Geneva with its TDI and 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. A sporty, all-wheel-drive diesel wagon? Yes, please. Scroll down for the full press blast with all the details.

2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR is black and yellow, black and yellow

Thu, 07 Feb 2013

Way back in 1973, Volkswagen decided it was high time to take the loveable air-cooled Bug racing. No, it wasn't painted in Herbie colors - Volkswagen called its sport-tuned machine the Beetle GSR, "Gelb Schwarzer Renner" or "Yellow Black Racer." Hence, the somewhat shocking paint scheme.
VW is bringing its sporty black and yellow Beetle back for 2014, and you can see live photos of it above. It's got a 210-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood (that'd be the hood up front, unlike the car's forebear), and a six-speed manual or DSG automatic transmission sends those ponies to the front wheels. Note that this car's output is up 10 horses on other turbo VWs, and the Jetta GLI and Beetle Turbo for 2013. The 0-60 run takes 6.6 seconds, and top speed is limited to 130 miles per hour.
Besides the in-your-face black and yellow paint, the GSR is outfitted with a large rear spoiler and 19-inch wheels shod with 235/40 tires. The bee-like hue carries over inside, with yellow stitching on black leather. Only 3,500 will be produced, each with its own unique plaque. Pricing has not yet been announced, but you're free to read through the press release below all the same.