Zelectric Motors is run by passionate VW fans David and Bonnie Bernardo. Two years ago, the two left marketing jobs and South Carolina in their rearview mirrors for a fresh start. They both have had a strong affinity toward the VW brand for as long as they can remember. About six years ago, David had an idea to convert their 21 window VW bus to electric power. He was gung-ho about the project and enrolled in a seminar and workshop to learn the process. When David started doing research and priced out all the components, that's when he hit a wall. The costs were really high and the limited number of experts in the conversion field made it nearly impossible for David to move forward with the idea. Fast forward six years later, when a huge decrease in component costs and a move to San Diego inspired David and Bonnie to give the idea another go. David was fired up and started his search for people to help him make Zelectric a reality. He found an awesome group of guys at EV West and rented a shop space next to theirs. He bought a 1963 VW Beetle as the prototype and started the adventure to create the first Zelectric Bug.
The Ride: 1963 VW Beetle
The Beetle is not chopped up in the conversion process and it is completely reversible if you so choose. They start off with a freshly restored donor car, pull out the engine and begin the conversion. The batteries (LiFePo4 Lithium) are stored in the front and the basketball-sized electric motor is mounted directly to the existing transmission. The wiring and component layout is installed with help from the Pikes Peak winning shop; EV West. The horsepower is double that of the original and with 110ftlb of torque this little electric bug can fly. The Tesla feeling of instant thrust is present in the Zelectric as it had no problems jetting onto the highway and keeping up with, and passing, traffic on the busy San Diego freeways. But the real fun came cruising along the hilly coastal roads. The bug didn't have any problems climbing the steepest of inclines, and sailing away from the beach as the sun dipped lower beneath the Pacific waves.
After spending a few days with the Zelectric, I really believe there is a future to converting classic cars to an electric drivetrain. The promise of zero maintenance needed on the motor (one moving part), 100+ miles per charge and all that instant torque is something enthusiasts can get behind. Eventually the costs will come further down and the miles per charge will increase. And I don't know about you guys but I'd rather drive a classic electric bug than a Nissan Leaf.
The Road: San Diego Coastline
San Diego is a beautiful place to live or visit. The sun is constantly shining and the weather is cooler than Los Angeles. But the real joy comes from the stretches of road that run parallel to the ocean. From Encinitas all the way down to Sunset Cliffs you come across small pockets of coastline roads that are exhilarating to drive on. This Southern California adventure includes steep inclines, s-turns and long winding roads with a post-card perfect backdrop of the sun and the sea.
The Zelectric Bug was exciting to drive around San Diego in. The normal squeaks and tire noises are much louder without an internal combustion engine. But that didn't matter much as we turned heads throughout the quaint towns and gorgeous coastline. As the sun came down over Cardiff by the Sea, it felt as if the Zelectric Bug was always meant to be part of San Diego. For more information on about the Zelectric Bug you can visit their website at http://ift.tt/1mvRkN6
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Would You Drive An Electric VW Bug?