The Volkswagen Beetle goes electric...
A major criticism of electric cars is that they don’t have the style and personality of many petrol-powered vehicles.The next best thing, therefore, is to take a classic, iconic car and transform it with an electric motor.That was the thinking behind Zelectric Motor’s David Bernardo who specialises in turning the Volkswagen Bug into a quieter, smoother, battery-powered car.Scroll down for video
The electric model prototype (pictured) was created by Californian inventor David Bernardo who replaces engines of classic Volkswagen Bugs, built between 1958 and 1966, with electric motorsHarley Davidson began road trials of its first electric motorcycle last month.At a launch event in New York City, riders took the iconic motorcycle brand's experimental machine across the Manhattan Bridge and through the streets of the city centre.Like other electric vehicles, the engine on Harley Davidson's Livewire prototype is silent, although the meshing of gears reportedly makes a hum like a jet aeroplane taking off, quietly.Its 74 horsepower engine has a top speed of 92mph (148km/h).
Mr Bernardo begins by replacing the engines of classic Volkswagen Bugs, built between 1958 and 1966, with electric motors.
hood, and behind the car’s rear seats to distribute the extra weight more evenly. This means the car’s original balance is maintained, despite the extra 350lb (158kg) weight.
Mr Bernardo, with help from electric car experts at EV West, then increases the car’s suspension and fits stronger brake discs to account for this extra weight. Electric cars typically have a single-speed transmission, but Mr Bernardo keeps the Beetle’s four-speed transmission to allow for manual gear changes – although this is optional.Battery packs are fitted under the hood, and behind the car's rear seats to distribute the extra weight more evenly. This means the car's original balance is maintained, despite the extra 350lb (158kg) weight. The car's suspension is then increased, and stronger brake discs are fitted, to account for the extra weightThe company has already made a red, and a black prototype, and plans to build models it can sell within the next year. A completed car is expected to cost $45,000 (£26,300).
The car lasts up to 110 miles (177 km) on a single charge, and has a top speed of 90mph (144km/h).
‘Retrofitting a classic with an electric drivetrain just makes good sense,’ said Bernardo. ‘This makes best use of an existing car rather than using new non-renewable resources to create one from scratch. HARLEY DAVIDSON'S ELECTRIC BIKE
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