Article from '13 . https://www.greencarreports.com/new...rs-1963-volkswagen-beetle-electric-car-driven . 
'63 BUG ( Beetle ) converted to electric ...
- Thread starter odie
- Start date
- Status
Automotive blasphemy.
I'd actually love to have one to play around with, but I cringe at the thought of doing this to Beetles that are in such good condition. I may feel this way because the first electric conversion Beetle I ever saw was kind of a junker, and looked like it's original engine was probably worthless.
Probably the biggest change since the late 1930's....
Good way to drop resale value. Saw someone do it to a vintage Porsche. As exciting to drive as a Leaf. And the 90-110 mile range of 8 years ago is probably down to 50-60 now. Real smart.
Totally ruined a piece of automotive history. The old saying "just because you can doesn't mean you should" applies here.
Last edited:
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2026
That’s an insult to the Classic Volkswagen Beetle Community 
. I’d never do that to such an excellent and cool car like that. I’d certainly never do it to mine. Especially not a 60s model.
. I’d never do that to such an excellent and cool car like that. I’d certainly never do it to mine. Especially not a 60s model.
I think the world can survive with one less gas powered Beetle.
Besides, the article says it can be converted back to gas if it must be sold to a collector.
If the batteries lose range...replace them! In a few years the new batteries will be better anyway.
I would much rather have an electric Beetle than a "new" Beetle.
Besides, the article says it can be converted back to gas if it must be sold to a collector.
If the batteries lose range...replace them! In a few years the new batteries will be better anyway.
I would much rather have an electric Beetle than a "new" Beetle.
Sure, 'bout $6,000 for the pack used in a Leaf.
The same can be said about people dropping LS1 into Miata, but anyways, I don't see the point consider there are better candidate to turn into EV like, a Corolla or Civic.
- Status
