Open Source LCD Instrumentationcharger & rear battery boxdropping inback emblemsEngine compartmentCeramic heaterDash removedMotor cotroller power boardOpen Source Controller
OwnerChris Freyman
LocationMacungie, Pennsylvania United States map
Email email image
Vehicle1983 Volkswagen Rabbit Convertible
MotorAdvanced DC FB1-4001A Series Wound DC
9", 143lbs
ControllerOpen ReVolt Open-Revolt (Cougar)144V-600A
Custom Design. Collaborated with several
others to create an open source controller
for EV community. I added interlock capability for e-brake and charger detect. Serial interface for diagnostics
and tweaking drive parameters
Batteries10 Crown 27DC115, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
Commercial Deep Cycle
System Voltage120 Volts
Charger Homemade
Onboard 3-stage charger using a PIC
microcontroller. Input 120VAC w/ 8~10A
output charge current. Boost input, then DC
rectified and phase controlled with SCR to
deliver controlled charge current.
HeaterCeramic type from 1500W portable heater
DC/DC ConverterIota DLS-30
InstrumentationCustom LCD Instrumentation. Shows traction
volts, acc volts, motor amps, battery amps,
SOC, miles to empty, motor temp, controller
temp and battery temp. Tracks SOC during
charge and discharge.
Top Speed70 MPH (112 KPH)
Has the FN type 5-speed transmission
AccelerationFast up to 45mph in 2nd. Using 3rd for
highway speeds takes more time than ICE.
Range25 Miles (40 Kilometers)
Mostly run it no more than 13~15 miles
before recharging @50% DOD. Its all hills
around here so can't run it much past 50%
due to increasing voltage sag
Watt Hours/Mile200 Wh/Mile
EV Miles
Start:74,148 Miles (119,304 Kilometers)
Current:74,400 Miles (119,709 Kilometers)
Total:252 Miles (405 Kilometers)
Seating Capacity4 Adults
Curb Weight2,650 Pounds (1,204 Kilograms)
Tires205/40/R16 Yokohamas on Mille Miglia rims
pumped to 40psi.
Conversion Time2 years, mostly weekends. Time includes EV
conversion, general restoration and charger
& instrumentation design. Also built open
source controller.
Additional FeaturesDue to additional weight, changed front rotors to vented type

code by jerry