My EV conversion after 10 years and 90k miles

This video is an overview of the electric vehicle conversion I did on my 2001 VW Passat. I'm using a 90kw Siemens AC induction motor and a drive inverter I built myself.
You can read more about this conversion at etischer.com/awdev
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To answer some of the common questions being asked in the comment section:
- This conversion started in 2008 before the Nissan Leaf or Chevy Volt were released, the only way to get an EV was to build one. I spent about 500 hours (1 day per week for a year) getting the car to the point it was a daily driver, inspected by the Bureau of Automotive repair & California Air Resources Board (CARB), registered electric, and exempt from smog checks.
- My EV conversion helped me land job at Tesla, where I was Sr. Staff Controls engineer in the Powertrain equipment engineering team in 2011. I drove the car in to my interview, and gave a 30 min presentation on it. I consider it my rolling resume. I retired from Tesla in 2018.
- I have a B.S. degree in Mechatronic engineering from California State University Chico. It's a 4 year program combining Electrical, Mechanical and Software engineering, it was the first college in the country to offer this degree. I'm now a voluntary advisory board member at Chico State.
- At 25 mpg, and $4/gallon gas (California prices), 90k miles is $14,400 in gasoline. In addition, $1k in oil changes, $2k+ in maintenance (timing belt, worn brakes, water pump, smog...) I also got $2,400 tax credit for converting my car. This video has also generated $8k from KZbin!
- Total cost for my converted EV was $25k. $12.5k was just for the battery cells. $1.8k was for the car itself, it had a seized cam and bent valves when I bought it.
- Solar panels on our house generate about 6.1 MWh per year, and the Passat EV uses 320Wh per mile. We generate 19k miles of range each year from sunlight. Our solar install was $9k.
- Cost to charge: Our electric bill actually went down once I started charging the car, because we also switched to a time of use rate plan. After midnight, electric rates were $0.03/kwh, my car gets 3 miles per kWh, and I charge at work 50% of the time. For 1,000 miles, my cost would be $5. Rates have recently gone up to $0.09/kwh, but now with our solar panels the cost is about $11 every 1,000 miles.
- Range should be about 100 miles, but I never drove past 70 to maximize battery longevity. I was driving 50-100 miles a day for 8 years, until I retired and bought a Tesla Model 3.
- The converted car weights 3,700 lbs, about 100 lbs heavier than a stock V6 Passat . Most of the battery weight (500 lbs) was added to the rear, about the weight of 3 passengers. I had custom springs wound so the car would sit level. It now has almost perfect 50/50 weight distribution. VW also put a W12 in this car (2006), 5,400 lbs!
- About Safety:
Yes, the ABS and airbags still work. The structure of the vehicle is unmodified.
LiFePo4 batteries are fairly inert, even after driving nails through them, they don't catch fire (unlike 26 gallons of gas in a gas tank).
• Lithium battery test -...
Brakes work awesome with disc brakes and regen brakes. Battery racks and straps engineered with 30x factor of safety.
- Insurance
The car was appraised by my insurance company, and I pay insurance based on the appraised value.
- Not shown in the video:
I have a vacuum pump to run the brake booster, it's mounted under the front battery pack.
I also have an emergency stop button on the lower dash panel. Turning the key off will also open the main power contactors if needed as a secondary redundant shut off.
-The Passat was built with a throttle by wire system. It outputs 1.5 - 4 volts, I have my VFD programmed to detect a fault if the voltage is outside of this window (broken wire, short circuit...)
- Why didn't I use a clutch?
I wasn't sure if the bearings in the motor could take the thrust load (xxx lbs) of the clutch throw out bearing pushing on the motor shaft. Adding a clutch means adding a flywheel, which requires more machining tolerance and higher force on the taper lock fitting I was using. It would also require balancing the flywheel to 9k rpm. Most EVs that use an AC motor use a single speed gearbox.
- Do you still drive it?
In 2020 I bought a Tesla Model 3, and it didn't make sense having two 4 door sedan EVs (especially one that's now 10 years old). The batteries were sold, along with the motor (and two spare motors I had), and other high value EV parts. The chassis was donated to a charity. With the car being so heavily modified, it was not worth it to me worrying about the possible liability if I sold the car to someone and they crashed it.
- I also did a Mazda Rotary engine & 5 speed in my MG Midget, and a Subaru flat 6 engine in my Porsche 914.
-

[@geneva93]

What a humble guy! I can see him saying in a future video "Yeah, this is my time displacement machine. It works ok. Not the fanciest but it gets me to and from the bronze-age..."

[@kirschkern8260]

Whats the total cost of all Parts? How much time dies it took you to build?

[@CraigBMM]

lol right

[@louisbell9041]

@@kirschkern8260 he said $25k kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3y1aYKoa66gbNk

[@zeroturn7091]

*Uncle Rico has entered the chat*

[@zazugee]

"i could only make 1000years jump, but after i got that exotic matter bearings i could make the million years jumps"

[@oskarpolanski3152]

You could say he built a VOLTSWAGEN™

[@paulkainer269]

I like your comment. It fits. Hahaha

[@MrAtz1000]

Hahahahahahahaha

[@ericsade5961]

Hahahahahaha hilarious

[@dagameboy]

The little trademark too!

[@finniko1995]

Take this like I got and get out!

[@badsamaritan8223]

The fact that you built this yourself, in 2008, when there was virtually nothing to go off of, is incredible, and you did such a clean job.

[@zeljkomatovic24601]

Stay in school, kids.

[@-JonnyBoy-]

The original iPhone just came out the year before and he builds this..... AMAZING

[@Simon...........]

Imagine trying to watch youtube 'how to' videos in 360p on dial up... Man must have solid patience

[@christopherbrown2224]

Forklifts mate electric forklifts was around for yrs buddy. He got idea from them

[@spoods150]

@@christopherbrown2224 ok? but it still is impressive?

[@fredflintstone1428]

Nothing short of a genius. To understand all the electronics, the mechanicals and to actually be able to machine it into a solution is nothing less than amazing. WELL DONE!

[@roelfkromhout]

Yeah I’m jealous, wish I was this damn good at something.

[@J_Smith7]

Its all about starting small and building off smaller projects and experience. Before you know it, you will be trouble shooting and building stuff you never thought previously you could.@@roelfkromhout

[@frozenrats]

@@roelfkromhoutyou can. Start studying and doing

[@droboyjr]

Especially back in 2008!!!!

[@mubzis1491]

And coding, using an Arduino

[@Ry____]

Man as an electrical engineer, I’m amazed how you used so much off the shelf items to make this work. Very impressive!

[@RJ-wx3fh]

Stuff like this really interests me seeing what a smart person with internet access can design, acquire off the shelf parts for and implement. I'll bet with the progression in 3d printing and the like, you could recase a lot of the components to make it a little sleeker too, but you can't knock the performance and ingenuity

[@00Tenrai00]

Honestly, this is epitome of engineering. Clobbering parts together to give rise to a viable system. Amazing…

[@00Tenrai00]

Only thing that worries me is an automotive accident.

[@dundeeecroc]

@@00Tenrai00 battery acid all over the place after a collision.

[@Therealnonsequitur]

Not like he was building a sub 😂

[@jasepoag8930]

*opens glove box* More cells *Opens center console* More cells *Lifts sun visor* More cells *Cuts open tires* More cells *Shifts seats back* More cells

[@Kj16V]

Don't forget his pocket cells.

[@chinadashauthority65]

There are some cells in the VW logo too

[@gaberoyalll]

Lmao! Hmm I Hardly noticed them

[@RealNameNeverUsed]

*Opens skull* More (brain) cells

[@mohammadalshaer5464]

Well everthing in the world is made from cells "___"

[@malung83]

i am an Iraqi man, i just imagine driving this car in Baghdad with all these electrical componenets, it will be really hard to prove its not a carbomb.

[@asl3151]

Hahahaa

[@spasovskizzz]

hahahahhaha i laughed so hard i spit my macaroni

[@Syaudah]

Shit, it crossed my mind too

[@thunderlifestudios]

@@iKingRPG technically they are not explosions just fast burning

[@alzym1]

iKingRPG im an iranian and baghdad is not in Iran, maybe during the persian kingdom but not in our time.

[@berenv]

Last line in the description: “I also did a Mazda Rotary engine & 5 speed in my MG Midget, and a Subaru flat 6 engine in my Porsche 914.” Wow this guy is familiar with his engine swaps! I love that mindset, not doing something because it’s easy to do or necessarily the best option, but to learn a lot and have something unique to be proud of. Mechatronics engineering sounds like a really cool degree.

[@user-kb8gh5jv9t]

Very impressive, especially given the fact that you did all this 10+ yrs. ago when even a company like Tesla barely started having reliable vehicles available. Probably one of the best Videos on youtube that I have seen that actually does something truly unique and useful!

[@foxh8er]

He works at Tesla haha

[@thedbcooperforum]

Neat, but the reality is it's an old out dated vehicle that is stuck in a 100 mile bubble..

[@suki_2.0_]

​@@thedbcooperforumso?

[@thedbcooperforum]

@@suki_2.0_ And? what? who? when?

[@stigmuri7766]

"So let's take a look in my basement. Here's a large hadron collider I built last year. Haven't been using it much. But it works ok"

[@jacqueslebeau6696]

LOL good one

[@SunilSharma1]

LoL

[@BenCos2018]

LOL

[@Nashness]

dude I'm cracking up...

[@BenCos2018]

@@Nashness same haha

[@JesusLopez-sm4oj]

I aspire for this level of genius and also the fact that he was so calm about everything he's done is mind blowing. You deserve some sort of award for this monster level of engineering.

[@NovaPog37]

man it's awesome to see what ev conversions looked like in 2008, nowadays it would require so much less to do the conversion, it would be much cheaper and easier too. definitely an early adopter kind of investment and an interesting car, hope to see it on the road with my own eyes someday

[@alexisgarcia4111]

Bro you should have invented Tesla or work with electrical engineerings

[@NovaPog37]

@@alexisgarcia4111 I rather make cheese

[@gregorymalchuk272]

This is WAY more advanced than most DIY electric vehicle conversions even in 2008. There were people in the late 2000's still using series brushed DC motors and lead acid batteries. This guy even has an inverter for air conditioning, something I haven't seen before in DIY EVs, though I'm not that well read on the history of DIY EV culture.

[@treeskers]

How exactly would you go about doing something like this nowadays? Or at least where could I get the information to do something like this nowadays

[@OfficialJervin]

Honestly, admirable. Cheese is just as important in my mind

[@wanderingzanzey2126]

"this is the inverter that i built" i love this guy already.

[@kirschkern8260]

Whats the total cost of all Parts? How much time dies it took you to build?

[@Rysysys]

@@kirschkern8260 $25K, it is in first minute of video, why don't you just watch it...

[@dco5055]

Keep in mind $25k was 10 years ago. So many advancements have come with EV parts and suppliers and with the model 3 becoming so popular once everyone quits picking the wrecked ones of parts and batteries you can do this way cheaper. If you're looking for a normal EV car that isn't real sporty you can pick up wrecked E bike not E bicycles but street bikes and convert them to what ever you want. The hardest part is getting the motor to mate the the drive line or transmission but if you can take decent measurements you can have these parts CNC machined fairly cheap now.

[@benjaminhead1944]

I recently bought a model 3 for my wife and had never driven one before. I am a tech guy and thought that shit was magic. He did this ten years ago. Alas, I am just a state school guy.

[@alexanderdemig9408]

@Zeksteve Disagree, the code isn't really that complicated, adequately designing an inverter for different ranges, EMI, and efficiency at high power is much more complicated

[@jukkal4382]

Let´s take a moment to appreciate the fact that he built a MANUAL gearbox electric car :O

[@devinsouthworth3978]

Jukka L ten years ago too... insane

[@shornandkenny]

There much less intelligent people on here doing that but... ya pretty dang cool.

[@richarddessables6191]

EXACTLY!!!!!!!! I was completely floored by it!!!! having futuristic technology and still be able to drive with a stick!!! where do i sign up, I want to order mine!!!!!

[@biggerchris20]

Right!? Im like, huh!?

[@shornandkenny]

@@biggerchris20 god. Barf. Lol👍

[@swolltron]

This guys is the most down to earth mad scientist… I don’t understand half the words you said but all I can say is, brilliant work friend.

[@scaresandsparks]

As an electrical engineer I'm impressed. That's a lot of work and gives a good example of the systems going into production EVs now.

[@thedbcooperforum]

GM is shutting down EV production..

[@mrsamot4677]

Source?@@thedbcooperforum

[@DreamCarGarage1]

I have literally no idea what he's talking about at all but I'm still really impressed.

[@Laffy1345]

What he's saying is, you can't put a whole body in the trunk. You have to disassemble and put in for five different bags

[@fishfire_2999]

Read the entire description it gets even better.

[@chickenlajumpy]

You and me both buddy

[@rickyr4051]

Makes 3 of us.

[@wanmanda]

Me neither

[@wonkydonk9073]

Imagine if a cop ever pulls him over and asks him to open the trunk.

[@totisa93]

Probably the cop would just begs for his life and existence

[@mika2666]

"are you making meth in there?"

[@budgetgokart3990]

@@mika2666 "no cocaine and electricity"

[@Garrett1974]

He probably says it generates 1.21 Gigawatts

[@j5892000]

Yeah and...?

[@Flopsaurus]

THIS is engineering. So cool to see something like this showcased. I wish there were more people like you.

[@thedbcooperforum]

I've always wanted a vehicle that only drives 100 miles and is out dated..sign me up..

[@mattooi4322]

I'm an electrical engineer. This is absurd. I'm floored. Good work

[@hansdampf2084]

Most engineers have 2 left hands, soooo... No wonder😁

[@MFKR696]

@Mitch Jones Fragile ego Nope. What you are is a Random with a problematic sense of humor lol.

[@voornaam3191]

What is absurd? This is how it should be done. This is normal. Why are you so surprised?

[@MFKR696]

@@voornaam3191 No, dude. Converting your own vehicle into an EV all by yourself (and a decade ago at that) is not "normal", and doing it correctly is even less "normal". I dunno what planet you live on, but on this one, most people are pretty clueless.

[@gregoriodia]

@@voornaam3191 using AC motor with DC batteries is absurd. This system is pointlessly complex and very wasteful. It's impressive how much work was put into it and how impressive the end results are, but this NOT how it should be done.

[@haseebahmed6278]

You deserve a stand-up ovation! "My EV conversion helped me land job at Tesla, where I was Sr. Staff Controls engineer in the Powertrain equipment engineering team, 2011-2018. I drove the car in to my interview, and gave a 30 min presentation on it. I consider it my rolling resume"

[@victorterancas]

When did he says?

[@dragospahontu]

Awesome

[@peterkinnaird5174]

@@victorterancas It's in the description of the video rather than the video itself

[@GarryAndrews_]

@@peterkinnaird5174 do you have a a book of the movie, of the TV show, of the video of your comment?

[@jayspears7245]

Not the answer for humanity. The combustion engine is still best and will be for decades to come. EV's are a fraud that will set the third world and developing countries 500 years. Dirty not reusable unreliable and just being used by Marxist politicians to overthrow the world. Fools you're not that smart

[@MayD5641]

This is such a cool car honestly. Everything is so well thought out and extremely well executed. All of the car's original features are there and some even appear to have gotten an upgrade. I wanna build something like this one day and this is a very inspiring video. Thank you for posting!

[@francoisguyot9770]

Truly impressive! I was thinking about doing a conversion and this video stopped me right on the spot, making me realize that it's way over my head.

[@dungeonbrownies]

The most impressive thing is how every single thing works and how the packaging is absolutely maximized.

[@CuoreSportivo]

original heated seats doesn't work.

[@C4H10N4O2]

No, the most impressive is the budget put in a 20 YO Passat to reach an autonomy of 100 miles max. The idea is really cool (I was really enthusiast when I clicked the video), the realization is nice, but the result is just okay.

[@Alex0992]

@@C4H10N4O2 the build is 10 years old goofball.l. Look at a 10year old Tesla.

[@trevhib]

@@C4H10N4O2 In my opinion the realisation is stunning and the result is fantastic for a homebuild 10yrs ago. Each to their own however.

[@kingprone7846]

@@C4H10N4O2 this is a very old car, back then cars didnt really have the high range. this was all revolutionised by tesla. the car is even before this! the most impressive thing by far is that it has an AC and a heater.

[@thetreagust462]

I’m a fairly educated man, I do ok. This fella is something else.

[@brandonpeeler257]

Seriously this guy is a true to life Doc Brown. He has to be from the future

[@TheLizardOfOz]

@@brandonpeeler257 1.21 gigawatts.

[@Revolution-bp2kj]

This man is literally everything I'm not. I have severe ADD and AT BEST average IQ. I can't even do the slightest tasks like going to the Home Depot next to my house to pick up some light bulbs to replace the dead ones in my house. It takes all my willpower just to do that. In fact I'm supposed to be at work at this very moment yet I honestly don't have the willpower to move and I'm 3 hours late. This man built A NEW CAR FROM AN OLD ONE. TALK ABOUT BRAIN POWER.

[@asl3151]

@@Revolution-bp2kj I was also like that... Now i am totally cool though..

[@asl3151]

@@Revolution-bp2kj do shambhavi mahamudra by isha foundation... Things will be transformed

[@robertgoldbornatyout]

Greatest own build ever of an electric vehicle, every thing you explain seams ages of work and you make it look so simple. A lot of time invested in this car! Great work!

[@infoalex1]

What an impressive work! Amazing, how much effort you put into that car. It also shows, that EVs are much more than just an e-motor and some wheels. Great work 👍

[@peterpumpkineater5927]

When he opened the trunk, I think we were all like: “damn”

[@peterpumpkineater5927]

J Smith lol

[@ramiyousif3029]

My eyes popped like 😳😳😳

[@lmc333]

my jaw was on the floor the entire time as he nonchalantly went through describing each component... On the floor the entire time... damn

[@corywilson8687]

It actually did😁

[@DougHanchard]

I thought he installed a WOPR mainframe computer in the trunk. (you'll have to reach deep to figure out this easter egg)

[@bluethumbdiy4735]

I’m an advanced DIY guy and this guy is in a different universe. This is ridiculously difficult to plan out and he did it in such an elegant way

[@raven4k998]

his battery's can't last very long since I see no cooling on the battery's and he live in California which gets warm enough to cook the battery's off over time

[@leifseed]

@@raven4k998 loooks like he's got 90k miles in and pretty sure that thing aint stopping ANY time soon.

[@Slayyyter_bitxh]

It's also crazy too see how much ev technology has changed

[@uturniaphobic]

I think there's kits out there for conversion. Not sure if this video is from a kit, Don't this so.

[@raven4k998]

@@uturniaphobic based on how old it is I am guessing his was diy but I could be wrong although his has the smell of being diy due to how hardcore it seems to be

[@salembeeman370]

Dude, just found your channel and build. Your skills are legendary - thank you so much for sharing. Based on what I see people doing today the builds look less complicated but yours has been running for 10 years so props to you.

[@cvtt3194]

Man made this himself, and it's better made and more reliable than any EV ever made by any manufacturer

[@JerryRigEverything]

Brilliant video. That was really cool to see.

[@notricky1680]

Woah, a random jerryrig has appeared

[@sharnsimmonds]

Very brilliant video ...

[@khurshidmarwat9399]

Damn! now I get the reason for random recommendations

[@dronecenterrd]

I think we will see an electric tacoma soon!

[@dronecenterrd]

And then a teardown xD

[@Jaultaub]

Projects like this are what real engineering is!

[@Jaultaub]

I cant even imagine the time and skill that went into this!

[@PixelSheep]

@@Jaultaub so true

[@abc-ni9uw]

Are*

[@Darkest_matter]

@@Jaultaub probably a few weeks once u have the parts and free time.

[@Pomaufour]

@@Darkest_matter And the knowledge ! It is a lot. I understand a lot of what these parts do, inverter, bms, etc...but he MADE those parts himself from scratch.

[@itsme123669]

This is quite amazing. The amount of disciplines that you have to understand to bring this project together is quite high.

[@ricardo___]

I fitted 16 x 90Ah lifepo4 cells in a 2P8S arrangement to mobility scooter (and electric wheelchair) in place of the 2 x12V 75Ah LA batteries . Average consumption is about 45Wh per mile. But that depends on speed and ambient temp. I use a 1KW hobby charger to balance the pack. The reason I did it is the increased range, cycle life, weight reduction, and not having to re-charge every time either mob device is used which you have to do with LA batteries. Downside is lifepo4 cells are more expensive than LA batteries (equivalent Ah). But what etischer has done is amazing! Anyone can do what I've done but very few could do what etischer has done. A really clever and practical guy.

[@CamiloWalker]

At the beginning of the video was like hey maybe I should turn my car into an EV and then at the end of the video I was like I'm just going to save up and get a Tesla

[@CraigBMM]

hahaaha

[@countryjoe3551]

Yeah, very few people are capable of doing this kind of build. You would have to be an electrical engineer with actual practical building skills.

[@MartinLV.]

He does not need tesla if he can build one himself...

[@russiankid112233]

@@MartinLV. woosh

[@akshayjain9623]

Now the conversion kits are much easier to fit........ You can but the whole kit from one Chinese supplier....... Also the cost has drastically come down !

[@satrioarif1797]

Man feels like I am watching a human again on youtube, no screaming "HElo GuyS It'S yA bOi" just a man explaining his work and what he thinks is cool

[@etischer]

Thanks Satrio!

[@capolean2902]

jus wait until u get recommended youtubers who does this with that type of energy lol

[@rp9674]

But is it a game changer, or insane, game over, we may never know!

[@drcornelius8275]

"SMASH dat lllllIIKE button N SubSCRIBE bOI!!!!!!!!!!!" so annoying

[@bennettkuwantchoh2467]

And the hand gestures that go with the "HElo GuyS It'S yA bOi"

[@FlapJacks7]

Coolest electric I've seen. And the best part of it all? Manual transmission! Such a rare feature on these kinda things. Very inspiring. Awesome job. Can't wait for ur next one.

[@someguydino6770]

Looks like this gentleman ACTUALLY DID SOMETHING versus MOST other youtubers who goof and mug endlessly about something that OTHERS did and claim to be doing something. Also; thank you, thank you, THANK YOU; for NOT making your presentation ALL ABOUT YOUR FACE like so many, many other "creators" who use the "Classic 2008 narcissistic Volgger Style".

[@carswithcus441]

Saw a comment that said "VOLTSwagen" cleverest thing I've seen in a long time! well done!

[@WH250398]

I liked your comment solely for the fact that you were honest about not coming up with this joke yourself.

[@lordjaashin]

we need to see schematic for this voltswagon

[@bearlybusy3267]

Brother, I was thinking about this but then I saw you driving it on a freeway and there aint no way i trust myself to syncomesh a clutchless system into a car, my hat is off to you. Absolutely insanely impressive setup and just crazy seeing you talk about such a clean well organized build so causally. It's so impressive and so much confidence to even push it to 105 and want to go further.

[@carsondenman5006]

Nobody: Suburban Elon Musk: “this is my VOLTSwagon”

[@jacksmiles47]

Best comment!

[@wheelinndealin]

Brilliant comment

[@derSkedda]

Volt-Swagon

[@chadmerkley9465]

Bro...... Epic! I own a customizing business. I'll do your "Volt shwag"in :)

[@amiranda6106]

I dont think Elon Musk has ever built a single EV himself...

[@Rod-bp8ow]

The technicalities is very good. The details of physics as well as energy harnessing, maintenance is superior, since it can last for many years. Congratulations.

[@RemmikRotus]

Glad I clicked on this video. Even though it's old now it was very impressive! That thing should be in a museum somewhere.

[@Ramdodge582]

i think this guy is just slightly smarter then the average bear.

[@DreamCarGarage1]

lol. A little bit

[@Javmon9]

🤔

[@LeonRamkumar]

There's a distinct possibility.

[@narlycharley]

Don't downplay yourself. Anyone can do just about anything with enough money and research.

[@Viggggggr]

Ram-n_dodge ???? Making EV cars is easy it’s just the coding that’s hard .

[@Fletchersfletch]

This is the type of guy I'll be looking for in a zombie apocalypse

[@ajtam05]

Lol if he let's you in.

[@bluudlung]

joecugo no but his ingenuity will

[@berke2706]

Every survival group needs a Glenn, just for the quota 😂

[@yewtubethug3081]

@@berke2706 i think you mean Eugene. Or idk... i havent watched it in a long time lol

[@DirtRider999]

No he will die quickly because he will be busy trying to charge his car after the grid shuts down and will be effed. Or his generator will be calling every looter in town

[@Matlockization]

My congratulations to you and the Delorean. I have no doubt that it will be with you for a few decades to come.

[@FourthLast]

This is absolutely unbelievable, when he opened the boot I thought it'd be a complete mess of wires but it looks so professional.

[@univisiontech1]

Finally, KZbin algorithm recommends a video worth watching. Love this, hope to see much much more. Subbed!

[@BucketBoyz401]

I was just thinking this. ✔

[@criscooper9976]

Man He popped the hood and I was like dang! That car runs on legos!

[@sweetdentistry]

Can’t stop laughing at your comment

[@jaredshelton4718]

🤣

[@michaelzhu1530]

ha ha hah cant stop[

[@harshtruthengineer1382]

🤣🤣👍

[@DrKoneko]

It's crazy how back when this was made you had to have insane know-how and technical knowledge, and now you can just buy a bunch of parts, throw them together and it'll work!

[@gwud4739]

Very well put together brother, the craftsmanship is incredibly meticulous

[@jumijc]

This guy is a genius. You can tell he understands everything that goes into his EV car. Nice video, and nice car. I am envious. Clean setup and very well done.

[@Jack-zo5gt]

Ocean Explorer He’s not selling anything chief. Get some perspective 👍

[@kanal2123a]

@Ocean Explorer Yes, Tesla Model 3 is 30k I think so 25k conversion isn't worth it...

[@Kawka1122]

Not good engineering. Design is awful and performance is poor

[@jonasb4395]

@@kanal2123a I mean its 10 years old... Prices may have dropped significantly by now..

[@kanal2123a]

@@MarioSantana1335 I just said that conversion 25k conversion is too expensive...

[@elyzensshuffledancemix2095]

To those mentioning Teslas X: there's several dozen engineers developing, aside various computers that worked along to put that system up, while this single man made everything by its own, make it suit nicely. This is what I call a man that knows his way throw problem solving. Very impressive job!

[@CryptocurrencyInsider]

This guy works for Tesla. People like him are the reason Tesla is so successful.

[@851995STARGATE]

@@CryptocurrencyInsider he doesn't work for them anymore or when you made that comment

[@theironsheik6322]

Yep, he's retired.

[@Jake_Hynds]

amazing work for sure and to do it ten years ago. brilliant! would be nice if he could have the clutch in that trans somehow though

[@Kawka1122]

@@CryptocurrencyInsider he was this guy who designed Tesla's to self ignite. Amazing design

[@mirteoda]

wow this was amazing to watch. really nice work dude, I especially liked the cooling system for the electronics in the trunk

[@tomd8168]

Love the Panduit work! Very impressive congrats on the build.

[@crossmeister]

Wife: great, now I need a degree in electrical engineering to drive your car.

[@DanB1984]

Lol

[@Awwad-Reviews]

HAHAHAHHAAHA

[@teepat9370]

Automatic transmission: thief: *easy* Manual transmission: thief: *drivable* VW Passat Converted EV + Manual transmission without a Clutch pedal: thief: *surprised Pikachu face*

[@DuBstep115]

I want that rev match light in my own manual car.

[@budgetgokart3990]

Rip

[@jonatanbergman5223]

cringe

[@dlozza2000]

J Smith someone’s mad

[@dlozza2000]

Jonatan Bergman sure kiddo

[@HushParanoia]

My OCD lost it when I saw all the fuses aren't facing the same way. :( Over all, this is a beast setup. I love it.

[@wdpwdp1414]

I know... was just thinking the exact same thing!

[@calbackk]

Truly impressive throughout. Good work.

[@thomaslucas8957]

I've been working on cars my whole life. I've seen all kinds of shit and I have a keen eye for detail. What you did here is very impressive

[@hairlessmonkeyproductions7784]

Come on Mr. Lucas!... lose the expletive and use an adjective the more accurately descibes the magnitude of this man's achievement!

[@codeHusky]

@@hairlessmonkeyproductions7784 no

[@yobrethren]

Yes, i'm really far from both mechanics and electronic in lots of things (computers, cars i forget things all the time) but i *SEE* and *HEAR* it in the guy's speech and car, it's built to last, it's not expensive, nor cheap and that it's not super fancy, yet doesn't hold on blue tape and chewing gum, and that's what i can respect whole-heartedly. I could also tell all this after processing it a few minutes per element as well, hahahah, *very* interesting car and video that's for sure. You can't bash on the guy trying to go green the *most* awesome way

[@vikas150]

WOW - i first saw this car being put together went i was in college - now 8 years of engineering experience later - its still a fantastic labor of love

[@laneanderson3005]

Swear I remember a video of this car around 2014 when I got my license. Crazy to see its still alive and well!

[@VulaneMthembu]

Not only is this an amazing job but the cable management is clean.

[@jimh4375]

The amazing thing is converting to electric still made the electrical system simpler than what VW originally designed.

[@Iznogoogoo]

This leaves me speechless! How much konwledge you must have to do such an amazing job! And so clean of an installation too! Speechless... More videos on your experience would surely be appreciated! Keep it up!

[@Orinslayer]

in the description it says that building this car landed him a job at tesla way back, and he is already retired.

[@Iznogoogoo]

Thank you for pointing that out. I gess not many can give a presentation about their own EV built as a job interview.

[@Iznogoogoo]

A 500 hours job is no hack job. EV conversion from scratch, followed by the DMV inspection, 10 years and 90k miles of good working order is no hack job neither. There was a lot of attention to detail put into this IMHO.

[@DISMODEUS]

J Smith, where’s the EV you built? You know, the one that is better than this “hack” job... Mind you, he also built this 10yrs ago...

[@kingbarrington_]

The fact that he did it before it was cool makes it so much better

[@mcnabb8448]

So impressed with this guys knowledge, understanding and execution. Pure genius, Brilliant!

[@ImStian]

VW should make an electric passat and name a color or something after this guy

[@JuniorJuni070]

He derseves it

[@JuniorJuni070]

And a free passat for him

[@JuniorJuni070]

Fucking genius..

[@GeoStreber]

check out the "ID Space Vizzion" prototype. That thing will be the electric successor for the Passat, probably called the ID.6

[@colwyn9]

They do make passat gte, well at least in Europe

[@robertbass5788]

Being a power generation electrician and do maintenance and VFD work, I'm impressed. I work with a lot of the parts you use in your car and they all come from different uses in the industrial field. Awesome job adapting them to work together!!

[@hugeslacker]

KZbin randomly sent me here... That's an amazing accomplishment! I'm so glad I watched your video.

[@noriega211]

Great video man. You are a very gifted engineer. Thank you for sharing your passion and inspiring others to become engineers themselves ❤❤❤

[@krsna_gwda]

KZbin recommendation bought me here, see you in 10 years!

[@user-oz9gu8yb8n]

brought*

[@ronherring1174]

I was thinking about doing something like this. I’m gonna find another project. Maybe gardening.

[@ericcruz1836]

😂😂😅

[@xdeathstar]

Wow man, the amount of work you put here is insane! Very good job :D

[@MultiNakir]

my ocd is dying with the fuse and wires and lack of upholstery to have a working trunk for the car ... but all in all ... kudos to him for all his hard work !

[@xavihernandez6598]

“This is the inverter that I built”😎👍. I was proud of putting a decal on my car and it wasn’t crooked 😂. Great video! It was very interesting to watch

[@nathchp]

That’s a massive resistor and a lot of fuses this is an impressive build

[@unxusr]

Amazing work! Thanks for sharing!!! Do not answer trolls and do not waste time. Focus on building even better conversion kits. I am driving electric for 8 years. Will never go back to petrol 😊.

[@ProfessorOzone]

You've got some serious skills! This was an excellent build. My only complaint is there seem to be a lack of covers on the circuit boards and connectors, but still, very impressive!

[@salvadorebertolone]

That's an insane build. Even more impressive was that it was done 11 years ago

[@410kane]

There's more cells in the glove box😆 imagine if you had the Passat wagon

[@Rockport1911]

seeing that as Passat- wagon- loving- german I think this is a great build. Old but its done some miles. The limosine " shelf" in the trunk makes for a great way of installing all the EV- components. A Passat wagon wouldnt have that much more usable space...

[@boboften9952]

Yeah some where to put the wife .

[@andry4313]

I miss my '02 Jetta out of nostalgia. seeing that dashboard always reminds me of my high school days in 2006-2009. My friend had a 1994 Passat that I drove a bunch too, to and from pizzerias and parties; primarily because I could drive a manual and he trusted me with it to be DD.

[@hartpa]

Always loved this build. So nice to see it years along. Fair play.

[@patrick1532]

For some reason I didn't expect the electronics to be so complex, holy shit

[@derohneusername]

Still less complex than a petrol or diesel engine but yes. Lots of things going on.

[@rogermoore2074]

OK. Tearing up my MSc in Electrical Engineering diploma right after watching this.

[@bandanajack]

snorting my coffee on that one

[@heedmywarning2792]

It's about PLANNING and doing things in STAGES. It's not like he put it together in 5 days using a kit ordered with cereal box UPC labels.

[@jonathangarzon2798]

Don't mean to be rude but you really believed college is actually necessary beyond the diploma being legally required?

[@David-lr2vi]

Jonathan Garzon. This is one of the things that actually shits me about society. How smart you are has nothing to do with formal education, it’s about how you apply common sense and spend time learning yourself. In my job I actually do some quite complex stuff that “technically” your supposed to have a degree to do. I’ve also had to tell “proper” engineers how to design stuff bearing in mind the price and availability of the items in question. So many of them in my area of expertise will design XYZ and only X is actually available so most of the parts they need aren’t even on the shelf and the whole thing needs to be redesigned. Which I do with my real world experience. Then you have the installers who are supposed to be qualified and don’t even know how to read instructions properly and you end up having to bail them out of their fuckups. I only have a year 10 education (didn’t even graduate from college) but I have over 15 years experience in the same job. In my experience a person who is willing to learn and put in the hard yards is worth far more to a company than a person with a degree and no real world experience. Too bad employers never see it that way!

[@aidentunupopo983]

Cool story David

[@GoneKayaking]

Some very clever home made bits there. Maybe beyond the scope of most DIY people but great to see how you did it.

[@charlietdi634]

Should go into business with this build. Very clean, professional level workmanship.

[@PaulVudmaska]

Yea, well I changed the bulb on the running lights of my Passat once.

[@pictlandpickers1171]

Wheres your video, I think we would all be blown away to see that happen!

[@gangleweed]

@@pictlandpickers1171 That was 10 years ago when it still had candles for lighting.

[@pictlandpickers1171]

@@gangleweed did it also run on hay and live in a barn?

[@davidryder5082]

Did your clock work though

[@mostafaelgamel6415]

What a humble man! How come I never heard about this EV before.

[@kirschkern8260]

Whats the total cost of all Parts? How much time dies it took you to build?

[@toxy3580]

He made it...

[@iKingRPG]

@@toxy3580 that's the point

[@chrisoconnor3119]

I want to work with this guy.

[@tristan6509]

@@jaronfoo3106 it's still an EV.... Heck even a boosted board is an EV, it doesn't matter who made it, it's still an electric vehicle...

[@functionalvanconversion4284]

Wowsers! Can i get your autograph? You did all this before amazon as well. Just amazing 👏 . Thanks for taking time out of your day to share your project.

[@thatguyfrom877]

You're such an inspiration for EE student like me. I hope I would be able to make something like this on my owm

[@SupeDefy]

On top of the electrical engineering know-how, I'm impressed by the quality of the build itself, thoughtful layout of the components in the trunk, and features for the driver. Neat and tidy. My EE dad would also be mighty impressed.

[@jacqueslebeau6696]

A perfectionist I'd say

[@rkan2]

He was/is part of designing Tesla's powertrain components, which isn't a surprise.

[@SirDella]

@@rkan2 really? That explains a lot

[@BenCos2018]

@@SirDella yep he mentions it in the description - My EV conversion helped me land job at Tesla, where I was Sr. Staff Controls engineer in the Powertrain equipment engineering team, 2011-2018. I drove the car in to my interview, and gave a 30 min presentation on it. I consider it my rolling resume.

[@SirDella]

@@BenCos2018 Oh I thought he got a job at tesla, got experience and then built the car That's even more impressive, a rolling resume haha it's a great introduction

[@shivamgagad5674]

His neighbor: *spends 100K on a Tesla Model X This guy with his EV Passat: _Hold my charging cable_

[@CraigBMM]

lol right

[@jfbeam]

But there's a lot value in writing a check, driving away, and never having to even think how it all works. EV conversions are a lot easier to do today. There are kits for DIYers, and numerous companies across the country that will do it for you.

[@f45411]

He made this in 2009 way before the model X came out

[@v6tex]

Me with my diesel Passat: Hold my fuel mileage

[@ghost-4230]

A base model Tesla x is much faster, larger, and the range is a lot higher. You get to feel very comfortable in it with almost no outside noise. It’s better in virtually every way. If I had the money I’d rather buy the Tesla. 100 miles of range just isn’t enough for me. But it’s impressive to know someone could do this themselves

[@idmhead0160]

This guy is a true genius. This is nothing short of amazing. I don't know what else to say other than I am truly amazed.

[@kyleroberts6472]

The whole "electronic synchromesh" thing actually blew my mind lol. I had expected you were going to shift like a normal manual, but it totally makes sense that you don't need a clutch or synchros if the motors can automatically do all the work for you.

[@DjNikGnashers]

Never realised it was such a complicated process, this was fascinating.

[@IAmNotARobotPinkySwear]

The algorithm sometimes doesn't disappoint. Great video, as comments below, this is refreshing to say the least.

[@Jenuin]

I would love to build one. So much to learn. ❤

[@richardlively1666]

Not all genius people are well known. I salute you for your accomplishment. That is amazing