Electric VW Syncro build

[@twoodrowindustries]

As an alternative 4x4 camper, I love the Mitsubishi Delica, it’s my dream to one day convert mine to electric, so if you need a test bed….. 😁

[@rhythmofblues]

I reckon a Chevy Astro 4x4 would make an awesome overlander camper. Have one in my garden fort you!!!

[@ElectricClassicCars]

That would be cool!

[@rhythmofblues]

@@ElectricClassicCars its been sat in a garden for 3 years...my son bought it and never drove it! Mine is way cool. Has an induction stove as well!!

[@ayebrow]

Seriously impressive to see the intermediate stages of a conversion - really shows the complexities and where all the work goes. One-off custom engineering can easily cost 100-1000x “mass produced”, which the layman doesn’t always appreciate. It’s fantastic that you’re able to create tools, jigs and kits for your more common conversions, and let us in on so much of it.

[@maxhartry6807]

I've got a 94 hiace 4wd camper and if the engine ever goes pop this would seriously get my interest! Top work guys.

[@ASHESPREVAIL]

I've actually been dreaming about this exact mod for forever. I can't believe someone actually did it

[@beinghappy1312]

Nothing more satisfying than wiring all done in heat shrink tubing with a connector where the wire won't ever come out

[@winglenrudlyn]

Would love to see a conversion on the Toyota land cruiser troop carrier/camper

[@beinghappy1312]

And this is why buying a nice new EV is much more affordable. Still nothing better than seeing beautiful classic vehicles get a new life in the modern world

[@MrNipsi]

Toyota LandCruiser 70Series troop carrier has always been an incredible overland car.

[@scottcarr3264]

Very good to see the "In Progress" vehicles, as it shows the complexities of a complete change over, and the amount of wiring and Cooling gear to make it happen.

[@aidantalbot9495]

It's a VW Type 2 Syncro; T3, ie 3rd generation which is usual German nomenclature; only known as a T25 in the UK as the chassis code for vans/buses etc is 25X in VW terminology (pickups are 24X, the X changes according to body variant; so 1 for van, 3 for Kombi, 5 for Caravelle LHD, 2 van, 4 Kombi and 6 Caravelle RHD, pickups are 245 LHD 246 RHD and double cans 247 LHD and 248 RHD)

[@mcjjordan]

Thanks for making it more confusing

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Thanks. That makes sense. 👍

[@tim_mills]

Is this your Syncro Aidan?

[@superchickensoup]

You can get help you know it's never too late 🤣

[@marklelievre4566]

Great to watch the video have you got a finish result video thanks mark in Guernsey 🤙

[@splitycity]

Outstanding project! I was wondering while riding the chair lift yesterday if you had done a syncro conversion and gratefully surprised to find this video at the top of my KZbin feed when I opened the APP last night (should I be concerned? 🙄). Can’t wait for the update and drive impressions (including pavement and off road trials) as soon as this masterful project is complete. I am the proud & dedicated owner of an ‘87 T3 syncro w/490,000 miles and a storied history of overlanding & #vanlife as well as a Rivian R1T. The syncro, le elephant, has been my daily since January ‘19. It is the most capable and practical AWD vehicle I have owned and I have had many (mostly Jeeps). This past year I replaced it’s Tiico motor (a poor choice by the previous owner) with a stock 2.1 WTB and did a complete restoration including upgrades of the front differential and transaxle. I’m hopeful this is its last ICE power plant and it will receive an electric motor w/a battery pack sufficient to deliver 400miles of range at a reasonable price point in 5-7years. I know that hinges on improved battery technology and improved mining practices (fortunately the brightest minds are working diligently on this campaign). THANK YOU again for sharing the inner workings of your shop!

[@USUG0]

still waiting for a video focusing on how you implement CCS charging in your conversions

[@fabianschray]

As far as I know, T25 was the project title at Volkswagen while developing it. For some reason T25 is the most common name in the UK, on the US market this Van is known as Vanagon and in Germany, it is the T3.

[@zdenekdolezal9646]

You are close, but not exatly. T3 basicly means Transporter third edition. T25 is messed up name for Type 25 - that means 25th type of car model WV made. Basicly T3 is third transporter = 25th car model. (also in USA it was selled by name Wanagon for some reason >>>>> Wanagon = T3 = Type 25) Being said that: Type1 = WV Beatle, Type2 = T1 (original split window T1 was second car model WV made) ,... and so on... (I have no idea which type was T2, but logicaly somewhere around the middle between Type 3 and Type 24) T1's and T2's had Type 1 engine (engine from beatle), later T2's and earlier T3's had Type 4 engine (engine from 4th car model I have no Idea how they named). I hope it make sence how I described it.

[@destrainor7389]

I cannot wait to see the finished article. I has an 85 T25 2WD and that was awesome fun.

[@phil6506]

have you ever thought about reversing the air con for heating?it would not be hard to do

[@jimcabezola3051]

Good heavens! The mind- boggling complexity! These vehicles are excellent, and I really enjoy learning about them here.

[@davidpulvermacher1488]

Very interesting project. The only bit that was missing was the cost! Can you give us a ballpark figure please? I suspect it's eye watering!

[@spudproductions7606]

Glad you enjoy the channel 👍😀

[@richardcottam441]

I'd guess twice as much as the Brand New Model Y with Camping mode... That said, no development costs now and lessons learnt.@@davidpulvermacher1488

[@Vintage_Volts]

Amazing job! As i said earlier, one day would love to see the ins and outs of how you build and designs the battery boxes, and of course with grommets etc. Really great to see how much work the wiring for all the different parts are……Thnx

[@Turk380]

4:45 we don't even use "T25" in the US... just T3 [if we use any "T" at all. usually we says Type 2 or Bus or Transporter] . but I always thought T25 was the air-cooled Vanagon as well.

[@wilcoxtube]

Wow. I have been driving Westfalias since 1986, and my 1990 Syncro will, no doubt, someday be converted to electric. Hope there is a completion/drive test video follow-up!!🙏

[@spudproductions7606]

There definitely will be 👍

[@LittlePixelTM]

Mercedes benz 1980s boxy 207D van with some Unimog portal axles and Tesla motor would probably make for a very fun overland camper :)

[@moestrei]

It was called T3 in Germany, T25 only in GB and Vanagon in the US. Same car. The CCS2 connector is angled..could interfere with plate or bumper.

[@ralfstahlmann5331]

Hi Richard, you have praised the superior quality of the syncro drive train. I don’t know anything about 4wd, but I was kind of hoping that you started of with 2wd adding an electric motor to each axle reaching the same result. So why the one is preferential over the other would be very interesting to know. That’s because I have a special rare T3 2wd. It has 2sliding Doors 😊

[@J.P.__]

Love the details and little insights into the tech!

[@taneliheikkila8276]

WOW, so so so COOL. Damn I got more excited than I should.

[@IanBalfe]

Great video, really informative. I might be a bit biased though being a T3 owner as well. Can't wait to see more of this build

[@grahamepigney8565]

Does the conversion include getting UK type approval and reclassification with the DVLA as and electric vehicle and thus changing the excise tax category?

[@Chris-bg8mk]

Electric Pinzgauer! Do it! You guys do such amazing work!

[@fydstar]

The one I’ve been waiting for :)

[@TheRocky3211]

Love the longer format in depth looks at ongoing projects 👍 The motors with integrated inverters look like they will be a game changer for packaging constraints , Looking forward to seeing more creative builds using these . Also I find myself scanning the background of recent videos trying to get a glimpse of the Tesla powered race car .👀 the chassis off to the right, at the end ??

[@spudproductions7606]

Race car update coming soon 👍😀

[@stevesells8294]

I’ve a 1974 Pinzgauer 710, would love to make it electric. They are so much fun. I’m slowly converting it into an overland camper to drive the silk roads. There’s a couple of electric converted 710s on KZbin.

[@Mr_Fahrenheit]

Another brilliant informative video, I like the idea of getting 240v AC from the DC battery, this would be useful in any EV, so good luck getting that sorted.

[@locknut5382]

Thanks for showing us some of what you have to sort out! Great job! Thanks Richard. 🙂👍

[@dcuplover]

all that expense, time and expertise is fantastic but it only will go 200 miles in a charge?? What would it take to produce something that could go three or four times that distance? I have a few early VW buses and would be interested in looking at a swap but not for such a short driving distance.

[@denis9450]

I've worked in several countries in Africa and the main problems I had was a reliable electric supply I would strongly recommend a large folding solar array on the roof for charging and if need be pull a small trailer

[@ConstantlyDamaged]

Probably the only way to have made this thing more awesome would be to have pulled out the underbody stuff and put it on a unimog chassis-then convert the unimog drivetrain. Keep up the great work!

[@omazingbob]

01 Audi allroad quarto would make an amazing overlander

[@pieteri.duplessis]

(1) I think you might land up with heated front seats as standard with having to cool off the electrics underneath them. (2) I am glad I do not have to foot the bill - most interesting stuff that one can do provided you can afford it. (3) Looks like a lot of fun - enjoy.

[@brianb-p6586]

Nice overview of the scope of a conversion, which might be surprising to a lot of people.

[@YEGNetZero]

What were the original corner weights, weight of the oily bits removed etc for this one? I've got a 1987 2wd Westfalia I'm thinking about converting. Have you looked into a 2wd t3 conversion at all? I'm thinking a small Tesla drive unit should leave room for a pack in the engine bay under the original cover? There's also a pretty large amount of space where the spare mounts and where the fuel tank mounts on a 2wd once you lose the shifter linkage and big coolant tubes. How would you configure a longer range 2wd version?

[@ruudvanleeuwen7320]

This is a great conversion. hats off. But there is a big dilemma, electrics are the biggest nightmare in off grid and off roading. To see this complex wiring makes me nervous. Now I have to say that for serious off road trips with conventionel systems you need some mechanic skills, serious electrician skills are now involved. I would not travel without a thorough knowledge of the system. love your work 👌🏻

[@bobeden5027]

I lived in my kombi for ten years as I went round Australia 8 times as a folksinger. Not many places I could not get to, but 4wd would have been phenomenal!

[@Gnarlodious]

...and did you have a head full of zombie?

[@fydstar]

I recall seeing a VW t2 or T25 ev conversion where the batteries where built into the middle floor in the living area? Not sure if it was one of yours? The floor was higher inside as a result? The battery housings might have been stressed members too? Many t25’s have water or lpg tanks under the middle floor but I get the point about exposure on the batteries. It’s gonna be a beast!

[@dzsink]

Great deep dive into the build and specks. Can't wait to see when it runs.

[@Surestick88]

Why not go with a heat-pump heating system since you're fitting A/C already? It gets cold in the desert at night and there'd be an efficiency gain that I'd imagine would be important in a vehicle that might go places where charging points are harder to come by.

[@irishrover63]

I was just about to say the same. My son is just waiting delivery of his Tesla Y model and the heat pump on that is rated top class, it even has a "camping" mode.

[@DrRogB]

Mate has a 1950s Unimog ex- military radio van. It's in need of serious work but would be ideal for conversion.

[@brianogrady7900]

Praying for you take it easy

[@EnsVibes]

Batteries take too much space in the vanagon 😐 not practical enough. Cant they be installed under the floor on the sides of the chassis?

[@SHOdown13]

Great explanation of systems build and integration. Looking forward to seen the next level of completion and ultimately the 1st road test of the completed project. I'd be interested in a converted Uni-mog,

[@spudproductions7606]

We are sure to feature the test drive etc. 👍😀

[@advanturemagazine]

This is an incredible conversion! Would love to take this on an adventure so badly :D

[@ElectricClassicCars]

But where would you take it?

[@Mr-Iks]

So sad i can't have this in France... It's Amazing, you're genius. Cheers

[@futurescapeart]

Pls give us a rough cost of this conversion ! Incredible van

[@TheSilverBuick]

Does each battery box have a set of precharge and contactor systems?

[@allancnc]

Nissan Patrol RD28T from the nineties

[@tompava3923]

Love to see/hear how she handles the Egypt journey!✌😎

[@TheJulianFletcher]

When you keep drive shafts, gear box, etc. How do you factor in material strength? You add what is usually a more powerful motor, but the existing parts aren’t necessarily engineered for the forces you could subject them to.

[@DomHogan]

A Unimog is perfect for you as there will be a variant to suit your wildest dreams!

[@andyreact]

Why drop down to 12v to run the inverter? Why not go down to 48v for an inverter just for the induction hob? Wouldn't that be more efficient?

[@brianb-p6586]

So apparently the driver will be able to shift the original transmission... but there's no mention of a clutch, so is shifting clutchless? If so, will the VCU control motor speed during shifts to make downshifts practical and to avoid excessive synchro wear?

[@Rob-ln7dd]

Brilliant....great job. Can I suggest an electric conversion of VW T5.....there are so many of them about...and they are great vehicles...I've owned a 4x4 version for 11 years and used it for everything....camping, building, sailing...living in the Alps deep snow...it's brilliant... a huge candidate for an electric version, so many people have used them as campers...gotta be a good market surely... I'd for for a dual motor 4we to reduce the use of existing drivetrain....clutches, flywheel, gearbox, diffs etc

[@seabream]

17:10 - Depends on the time of year. Historically, Cairo's average daily high is 12°C or lower roughly October to March, and the average daily low in midwinter is below freezing, so you might need heating off-roading in those conditions, if only to be able to defog the front windscreen. Fantastic video and conversion.

[@RHM6x4]

Well done, another excellent video, informative and well put together, thanks - as for off road electric camper conversions what about a Volvo C303 ? or even the C304 6x6 ! I would like to see one of those.

[@TMKUCN]

Thanks for An awesome walkthrough. My choice for a conversation candidate would be a Volvo Valp. I seems like the centre engine layout would lend itself to a well balanced weight distribution. Thanks for letting us into you garage, thoroughly appreciated.

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Wow, had to Google that car, never heard of it before. Very cool. 😎👍

[@spudproductions7606]

First for me too, but looks cool. 😎😎

[@torbendk2777]

fun fact. in Danish, (h)valp, means poppy 😆 Volvo poppy 😂

[@MrMarty77]

So the heating is done electrically rather than with a heat pump?

[@mlg779]

Can you put the parts info below the video? like a link to the motor you use for example.

[@CDVEDROD]

One place that is a common source of water leaking in is the windshield. Any electronics immediately under the corners in the dash area must be protected from internal dripping.

[@Lazarus-aap]

First of, amazing to see how you have adapted to the current (pun intended) situation! Second, I am thinking of buying a double decker bus to convert to a camper/house. I am wondering how much that would cost me to convert it into a electric vehicle? Also was wondering if it would even be possible to charge something that big at the standard charging stations...

[@muragendegwa]

My dream build!

[@whathappensnexttrafficward2887]

Wondering what it would cost to put an cheep electric motor in my 1970 beetle motor has been removed already..also have a porsche 911 body kit for it..!

[@neilmckechnie6638]

Fascinating video to see the complexity involved to get all of the systems right. The torque 4x4 system should make this ultra useable off-road. If the owner is going to deepest darkest Egypt he may need to find space for sand tracks, which begs the question is their software to accommodate different driving modes i.e. for driving in soft sand. The owner looks like getting a special car back to go touring in. It may be interesting to see an electric converstion of a Hummer H2 or H3, with a roof tent, not only because it is so rugged and could handle the power but because I think you could get a big battery-pack onboard in addition to the point that as a petrol engined car it makes zero sense and a donor vehicle would consequently be less expensive to source. I would imagine that a hi-torque electric powered motor would transform its off-road abilities.

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Yep, electric drivetrain is fantastic off road, as I've found out in my Tesla powered Land Rover. There are 3 modes we can program into the motor controller. 👍

[@marcbee1234]

@@ElectricClassicCars I'm assuming he won't be going very far off-road or will he be carrying a several solar panel system to set-up and charge while he camps for a couple of days?!

[@willyd-adv]

This is my abbsolute dream build. I currently have a bright orange 1982 T25 camper with a 220 hp EJ20 Subaru motor fitted but man i hate servicing it and having to deal with an aircooled to watercooled van. I also have had an Iveco Daily 4x4 camper and a LR 101 4x4 camper

[@noah786]

The Mitsubishi delica and Toyota hi ace both have dependable gas motors, bot both could be a strong candidate for a camper conversion

[@FlorianSchwarze]

I own a Unimog 416 - fully camperized. My dream would be to have it electric (or hybridized). Unfortunately I do not have the money to do that...

[@VampiricHoshi]

Really interesting to see it in progress. I've seen others put the battery boxes underneath but as you say it very obviously compromises clearance. Out of curiosity, how thin are the Tesla packs? Would it be a possible solution to lay them flat on the floor inside and build a false floor over them, kind of like how VW is actually doing it in the Buzz, so that you keep the internal storage?

[@onnovanrieven4129]

that's what I have in my van, about 10 cm elevated floor

[@Skiridr22]

Can’t wait to see the finished product

[@kieferngruen]

Finally the T3 Syncro! I'm restoring mine at the moment, but unfortunately still with the ICE in it. Maybe in the future....

[@marius2980]

4x4 VW Crafter/MB Sprinter for an overland Ecamper base, the tallest model so you could fill the floor with batteries and still be able to stand straight 🙂

[@CrazedCrittic]

That's a great idea. I always thought these VW campers were a bit cramped.

[@roygardiner4002]

Any monocoque tin van is not a sound basis for serious offroad use, Perfect for negotiating the kerbs at Sainsbury's car park though.

[@marius2980]

@@roygardiner4002 overlanding = 4x4 offroading? Asking for a friend..

[@elmarruben]

The charging outlet spot is not so convenient when you want to install a bike rack or something similar on the rear reciever hitch and recharge your van. Its an amazing conversion! I’m looking forward seeing it being finished!!

[@robh8131]

Hat off to you and your team for the amount of design work and fabrication that is going into in this project, this seems akin to aviation or F1 design and development. Guess the KIS strategy is something of struggle with the complexities involved. I'm sure viewers will be interested to see a follow up when the vehicle has been exposed to its adventures, especially in third world environments, what works well what doesn't, and the influence on your future design of adventure off-roaders and maybe more sedentary camper vans. Very best of success with your business.

[@spudproductions7606]

Thanks 👍😀

[@m.i.andersen8167]

Thank you for the video. Very interesting to see all the details of the conversion work. It would be great if you (also) show more of that kind. PS. If it has to be off-road, how about a electric converted Unimog camper?

[@JohnKrakatoa]

E-MOG would be so damn cool!

[@stanley84pl]

Dust will not acces the power plug ?

[@Glockers76]

This would be my dream set up. Love the work guys.

[@MrRossi1805]

Well done, curious about the next episode!

[@techphonephonetech3400]

Ok that was amazing!!!!! Wow ! I knew you guys had some skills as one of the original and best EV conversion garage in the world - but that was amazing. Congrats on building a team that can achieve that kind of complex execution. 10/10... where's the patreon ? I drove a T3 for ten years and have daily dreams of converting one - think I will leave out the electric hob thou!! Thanks ECC that was the episode I've been waiting for!

[@spudproductions7606]

Glad you liked the episode 👍😀

[@gonzovizija]

crazy cool

[@stewartkuhnke5872]

type 25 and T3. the van is a type 25 and the model is a T3 ( third generation van)

[@MrCaprinut]

I bet either a VW LT35 or a 80s Transit van would be ideal. I know Transit vans for telecom could be delivered with 4x4. 4X4 was available from 82'.

[@robdelpeut9380]

Complicated engineering.... Respect 👍

[@spudproductions7606]

Thanks 👍😀

[@c7uk]

13:35 FYI Those are MK4 Golf gauges, not original Syncro

[@jeromeandre4915]

Can't wait to see it out and about on the tracks now!

[@spudproductions7606]

Me too 👍

[@donbelden6761]

What pop top model is on this Syncro, a Westphalia or Reimo?

[@dd1309]

i love also the long format. keep up the content

[@banksarenotyourfriends]

If I had an electric quad bike with a trailer full of solar panels, a tarp and a hammock, I'd be happy enough with that! Baby steps 😂

[@Smiler7]

Wow!! My head is spinning, Rocket Man!!

[@jank330]

so when will you do a ford transit they also come in 4 x 4 and have the interior room to match.

[@AaronPaluzzi]

I love these conversions. One question. Why not a heat pump instead of the ptc heaters?

[@ElectricClassicCars]

We will be trying out a heat pump in a future build. 👍

[@theunknownunknowns256]

Did anyone suggest a electric Defender with a Icarus Roof Conversion from Alu-Cab?

[@danielmulder1999]

How about a Uaz 452 as a 4x4 overlander camper to convert? They are good off-road and with heaps of space. I used to camp in them.

[@gabechiplin8140]

Great tube, love seeing the builds. Thank you.

[@spudproductions7606]

Glad you like the channel 👍👍

[@jorgedelvalle8744]

I wonder hoe much a project like this would cost, I would love to send them my Westfalia