12V gauge, Ammeter, 144V gaugeEngine compartmentAdapter plateBolting motor and transmission together Battery box - rearleft rear bracket installedEV - rearFront batteries and electronics
OwnerRobert Kelly
LocationHousatonic, Massachusetts US map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1997 Volkswagen Jetta
The car came with a bad automatic transmission.
I acquired a 1998 Jetta with a standard transmission
and transfered the necessary parts for the auto to
manual conversion.
MotorAdvanced DC FB 4001 Series Wound DC
ADC 9" motor with dual shafts.
DrivetrainFront wheel drive, clutchless / direct drive setup.
ControllerCurtis 1231C-8601
500 amp controller (96 - 144 volt)
Batteries12 Trojan T1275, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded

System Voltage144 Volts
ChargerQuickcharge
230v AC input / 144v DC output
HeaterHome made hot water heater and circulator.
DC/DC ConverterAstrodyne SP-480
Top Speed80 MPH (128 KPH)
I have only been about 60 mph. Still plenty of
headroom but I have no need to shorten my range
using excessive speed and acceleration.
AccelerationThe car accelerates quickly. Plenty of power for the hills
of Western MA.
Range40 Miles (64 Kilometers)
Between 30 and 50 miles. Still breaking in the batteries
so I haven't pushed it to the outer limits.
Watt Hours/MileDon't know yet.
EV Miles
Current:1 Miles (1 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity5 adults
Curb Weight0
Don't know yet.
Conversion TimeStart time - late May 08.
Conversion Cost$10,000 +
What a fun car to drive. I live within a few miles of town so I never run into
problems with range. It is so easy to shift without a clutch. I have
already had a newspaper article and two TV news stories. Hopefully I can help
others create there own EV's. Please write to me about your experiences
or interest.

code by jerry