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Writer's pictureJon Lake

Type 3 EV Conversion!



This Type 3 EV conversion video is yet another example of saving and upgrading the classics to modern comfort, safety and fun. Crank up the speakers and enjoy!



And the specifications directly from the owner Mick Longley of Durango, Colorado United States and his Vehicle1971 Volkswagen Type 3 Fastback.


Mick took a $3000.00 2014 Nissan LEAF stuffed into a $200.00 71 VW

Fastback. "I’ve been working on this build for a little while, as a test for a much larger

project to come."

To begin, the motor is a Nissan LEAF 3-Phase AC and Mick used entire LEAF drive motor combo. Drivetrain: Entire 2014 Nissan LEAF motor and electronics assembly. The controller is also Nissan LEA using the entire LEAF drive motor combo. Batteries are 400.00 Volt LEAF battery assembly, 24kWhSystem Voltage400 Volts Charger: Nissan LEAF

Nissan Leaf 6.6kW and CHAdeMO DC Fast Charging.

(~40kW)Heater. Plan to use LEAF heat pump. Steering wheel

heater and seat heaters all around. The converter is Nissan LEAF LEAF electronics were used. Instrumentation is LEAF gauge cluster mounted below dash, as well as stock VW Type 3 gauge set (speedo)

Top Speed: 100 MPH (160 KPH)

It’s a quick car, weighing in at 2650 lbs. Top speed is a guess, as I have no desire to go that

fast in a 50 year old VW! Acceleration: Just got a Dragy, seems that an average is about 8.8 seconds 0-60 at full charge, slightly uphill.Range90 Miles (144 Kilometers)

Battery came from an 11 bar LEAF. Highway trip made for 239 Whr/mile.

EV Miles Current: 220 Miles (353 Kilometers)Seating Capacity4 adults, maybe 5 but that would be TIGHT! Curb Weight2,650 Pounds (1,204 Kilograms)

Very light VW paired with belly mounted LEAF battery and frame. Tires: Stock LEAF wheels/tires. Conversion Time: A very long time, as this was an experiment (2 years of tinkering on and off) Conversion Cost: Less than $4000, including the donor LEAF and VW

chassis. Additional Features Used the power steering, braking, and abs module from the Nissan LEAF. I still have to build wheel speed sensors so the ABS and traction control will work - it’s been pretty fun driving without them in good weather but I’ll really be looking forward to more traction in winter!


Great job Mick and keep us informed on the upgrades!


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