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.
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 RUclips 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!
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
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.
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)
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!!🙏
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 😊
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 👌🏻
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 RUclips.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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 ??
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
(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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!!
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,
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.
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!
If you do a Pinz go straight for a 6x6 Richard, but you'll want an extending roof for standing room. There will be room under the platform for your battery boxes as the standard has under-slung fuel tank and battery box. The later diesel provides room for a good sized AC motor. Standard gear train and hub reduction gears are more than man enough for a big EV motor. Diff locks are hydraulically operated so no leccy complications, all drive shafts fully enclosed too.
Lovely quality van. I owned a petrol Syncro van which Devon modified to carry the four children, with two removable (if you were fit enough) bench seats with table and a rear fixed bench seat. Another vehicle I wish I’d not sold.
Does the conversion include getting UK type approval and reclassification with the DVLA as and electric vehicle and thus changing the excise tax category?
Overlander 4x4 camper - Landrover Dormobile was the thing to have back in the day, been around since the early 1960's I used to have one its basic but does the job.
I really like this video 👍👏🏼shame he didnt fit 1kw solar pannel on the roof to help trickle charge the big battery. I would defo of kept the lpg hob last thing you wanna do is drain your drive battery cooking
Great video Richard giving an indepth explanation of the shear amount of work required to adapt all the vehicle systems, but ending up with the same familiar interfaces on the dash and the controls. The synchro is a rare beast, and thankfully due to VW build quality, probably doesn’t need too much body restoration. This will be an amazing vehicle when it is completed. I am not too sure about charge point availability in Egypt and en route though🤔
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?
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!
Thank you so much for this video, good to see the guts of the build and as you say, not just the finished product, brilliant, thank you. For me a off road camper would be an ex-army 101 Land Rover Command vehicle with a EV conversion my dream vehicle.
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.
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
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.
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. 👍
@@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?!
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?
Pinzgauer's are ideal for EV conversion. The drivers in the NZ Army Pinzgauers have to wear hearing protection because of the engine noise. A 6x6 vehicle with maybe a pop-top would give you some real room to spread out as well. Take care and keep up the good work. Peter W Canberra.
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.
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 🙂
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?
The double voltage conversion of up to 2.4 kW for the induction cooker alone is certainly undesirable - the direct HV DC to AC inverter will be a significant improvement. Since every production hybrid and EV with an AC outlet already does this (although usually at lower power), the direct conversion should certainly be feasible.
Is the torque not going to shred that fragile gearbox? Aren't owners having issues with gearbox durability when doing TDI swaps? Would love to see a full electric swap in one of these dropping out the old gearbox and front diff for a front ev motor and rear ev motor. This would also open up the ability to get some of the battery back under the chassis in the prop shaft tunnel.
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...
Very interesting and enlightning video. Using ex-military vehicles seems the best bet for 'expanding' from this VW project. If you use a 4x4 Bedford (other makes are available, Mercedes Unimog for example) MK, 4 tonner, there would be lots of places to fit batteries and motors, and with a decent roof lots of solar panels... and so on. Electrifying one of those would make it a hundred percent better than the smelly diesel version. They are a bit wide, for those roads where you are, but I'm sure if you did one of those conversions, someone would snap it up. Imagine something like that with 3 to 400 miles range.
Trouble with the ex-military heavies (e.g. Bedford, Unimog etc) is weight - if you get one of those stuck you need an equivalent-sized companion vehicle to recover you. Not so with a Pinzgauer (especially a 6x6) as self-recovery with a winch (or even vapour jack) ropes and ground anchors is practical if you're solo in the outback somewhere.
Love your work I watch all your épisodes, Yes t3 are great and t25 also 👏, mine is a 2 wD and I love it,I am a big enthusiast of ev I drive a leaf and would love to have my t3 to be converted in a much simpler low tech, no ac no induction but surely the cost must still be prohibitive.
What about a Tourist Coach ? There is certainly enough room for Batteries and Motors, enough roof space for some solar panels, enough space inside for your designer kitchen, AND you could probably get a decent bed in there as well !
Lol. Watching the show in my country on discovery. Getting the prompt from youtube if I like videos as this.. Big brother watching me but love the show😎👍🏻👍🏻
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?
T25 (or 'Type25') is a UK-only misnomer... the T actually stands for *Transporter* and the 3 is the 3rd generation. The Splitty being a T1 and Bay being T2... this is not to be confused with the Type number were all buses are Type 2 (Type 1 being a Beetle, and Type 3 being Fastback etc)...
Hi Rich. Will there be any Vintage Voltage in the near future? I always enjoy watching the actual hard work that goes into one of these builds, not just an explaination video of what has been done on the project.
@@ElectricClassicCars I love the under construction videos as you get to see the items going into the build. The full name and better explanation of each item would be very helpful.
I can understand not putting batteries below the floor in a Synchro, especially with the use it is going to be put to, but in an ordinary T3 the ground clearance is still ridiculously high, and once the petrol externals like tanks and heating pipes are removed there is an enormous space between the wheels. Then an extra protector sheet would be the final thing. Or am I missing something?
True, but you need to find battery modules that then fit in-between the chassis outriggers. We've looked at it a number of time on T1, T2 and T3 and with various battery module designs. Couldn't get a good solution without comprising the ground clearance and exposing the battery pack to increase risk of impact from road debris.
@@ElectricClassicCars Oh right. So Tesla modules are a bit too big to squeeze between the frame. That's a shame. That's an excellent space resource going to waste. What about other batteries types? I guess there aren't enough of those around yet?
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
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….. 😁
I reckon a Chevy Astro 4x4 would make an awesome overlander camper. Have one in my garden fort you!!!
That would be cool!
@@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!!
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.
I've got a 94 hiace 4wd camper and if the engine ever goes pop this would seriously get my interest! Top work guys.
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 RUclips 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!
Toyota LandCruiser 70Series troop carrier has always been an incredible overland car.
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
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.
I cannot wait to see the finished article. I has an 85 T25 2WD and that was awesome fun.
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)
Thanks for making it more confusing
Thanks. That makes sense. 👍
Is this your Syncro Aidan?
You can get help you know it's never too late 🤣
Great to watch the video have you got a finish result video thanks mark in Guernsey 🤙
I've actually been dreaming about this exact mod for forever. I can't believe someone actually did it
Nothing more satisfying than wiring all done in heat shrink tubing with a connector where the wire won't ever come out
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!!🙏
There definitely will be 👍
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 😊
Good heavens! The mind- boggling complexity! These vehicles are excellent, and I really enjoy learning about them here.
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!
Glad you enjoy the channel 👍😀
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
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 👌🏻
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 RUclips.
Love to see/hear how she handles the Egypt journey!✌😎
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.
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.
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
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.
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
have you ever thought about reversing the air con for heating?it would not be hard to do
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!
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.
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.
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 ??
Race car update coming soon 👍😀
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
(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.
Would love to see a conversion on the Toyota land cruiser troop carrier/camper
Thanks for showing us some of what you have to sort out! Great job! Thanks Richard. 🙂👍
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.
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.
Wow, had to Google that car, never heard of it before. Very cool. 😎👍
First for me too, but looks cool. 😎😎
fun fact.
in Danish, (h)valp, means poppy 😆
Volvo poppy 😂
Electric Pinzgauer! Do it! You guys do such amazing work!
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
Love the details and little insights into the tech!
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.
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.
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.
Nice overview of the scope of a conversion, which might be surprising to a lot of people.
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!
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.
Thanks 👍😀
So sad i can't have this in France... It's Amazing, you're genius. Cheers
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!!
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,
We are sure to feature the test drive etc. 👍😀
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.
Praying for you take it easy
still waiting for a video focusing on how you implement CCS charging in your conversions
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!
Glad you liked the episode 👍😀
If you do a Pinz go straight for a 6x6 Richard, but you'll want an extending roof for standing room. There will be room under the platform for your battery boxes as the standard has under-slung fuel tank and battery box. The later diesel provides room for a good sized AC motor. Standard gear train and hub reduction gears are more than man enough for a big EV motor. Diff locks are hydraulically operated so no leccy complications, all drive shafts fully enclosed too.
Lovely quality van. I owned a petrol Syncro van which Devon modified to carry the four children, with two removable (if you were fit enough) bench seats with table and a rear fixed bench seat. Another vehicle I wish I’d not sold.
Does the conversion include getting UK type approval and reclassification with the DVLA as and electric vehicle and thus changing the excise tax category?
Overlander 4x4 camper - Landrover Dormobile was the thing to have back in the day, been around since the early 1960's I used to have one its basic but does the job.
I really like this video 👍👏🏼shame he didnt fit 1kw solar pannel on the roof to help trickle charge the big battery. I would defo of kept the lpg hob last thing you wanna do is drain your drive battery cooking
Great video Richard giving an indepth explanation of the shear amount of work required to adapt all the vehicle systems, but ending up with the same familiar interfaces on the dash and the controls. The synchro is a rare beast, and thankfully due to VW build quality, probably doesn’t need too much body restoration. This will be an amazing vehicle when it is completed. I am not too sure about charge point availability in Egypt and en route though🤔
It will be very interesting to see how the owner gets on with his journey. 👍😀
Where there's electricity he can charge up, if a little slowly though. 😁👍
Great deep dive into the build and specks. Can't wait to see when it runs.
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?
WOW, so so so COOL. Damn I got more excited than I should.
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!
...and did you have a head full of zombie?
Thank you so much for this video, good to see the guts of the build and as you say, not just the finished product, brilliant, thank you.
For me a off road camper would be an ex-army 101 Land Rover Command vehicle with a EV conversion my dream vehicle.
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.
Mercedes benz 1980s boxy 207D van with some Unimog portal axles and Tesla motor would probably make for a very fun overland camper :)
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
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.
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. 👍
@@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?!
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?
Pinzgauer's are ideal for EV conversion. The drivers in the NZ Army Pinzgauers have to wear hearing protection because of the engine noise. A 6x6 vehicle with maybe a pop-top would give you some real room to spread out as well. Take care and keep up the good work. Peter W Canberra.
Would love a Pinzgauer. 😎👍
Spot on Peter.
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.
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 🙂
That's a great idea. I always thought these VW campers were a bit cramped.
Any monocoque tin van is not a sound basis for serious offroad use, Perfect for negotiating the kerbs at Sainsbury's car park though.
@@roygardiner4002 overlanding = 4x4 offroading? Asking for a friend..
Finally the T3 Syncro! I'm restoring mine at the moment, but unfortunately still with the ICE in it. Maybe in the future....
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?
that's what I have in my van, about 10 cm elevated floor
The double voltage conversion of up to 2.4 kW for the induction cooker alone is certainly undesirable - the direct HV DC to AC inverter will be a significant improvement. Since every production hybrid and EV with an AC outlet already does this (although usually at lower power), the direct conversion should certainly be feasible.
Is the torque not going to shred that fragile gearbox? Aren't owners having issues with gearbox durability when doing TDI swaps? Would love to see a full electric swap in one of these dropping out the old gearbox and front diff for a front ev motor and rear ev motor. This would also open up the ability to get some of the battery back under the chassis in the prop shaft tunnel.
It's all under software control so I suppose the torque will be matched to the spec of the gearbox that is fitted.
Complicated engineering.... Respect 👍
Thanks 👍😀
Mate has a 1950s Unimog ex- military radio van. It's in need of serious work but would be ideal for conversion.
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'.
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...
This is an incredible conversion! Would love to take this on an adventure so badly :D
But where would you take it?
Very interesting and enlightning video. Using ex-military vehicles seems the best bet for 'expanding' from this VW project. If you use a 4x4 Bedford (other makes are available, Mercedes Unimog for example) MK, 4 tonner, there would be lots of places to fit batteries and motors, and with a decent roof lots of solar panels... and so on. Electrifying one of those would make it a hundred percent better than the smelly diesel version. They are a bit wide, for those roads where you are, but I'm sure if you did one of those conversions, someone would snap it up. Imagine something like that with 3 to 400 miles range.
Trouble with the ex-military heavies (e.g. Bedford, Unimog etc) is weight - if you get one of those stuck you need an equivalent-sized companion vehicle to recover you. Not so with a Pinzgauer (especially a 6x6) as self-recovery with a winch (or even vapour jack) ropes and ground anchors is practical if you're solo in the outback somewhere.
@@roygardiner4002 Agreed, but in fairness, you could add a winch front and back, carry your own rescue gear, but I get what you're saying.
01 Audi allroad quarto would make an amazing overlander
A Unimog is perfect for you as there will be a variant to suit your wildest dreams!
The Mitsubishi delica and Toyota hi ace both have dependable gas motors, bot both could be a strong candidate for a camper conversion
This would be my dream set up. Love the work guys.
Love your work I watch all your épisodes, Yes t3 are great and t25 also 👏, mine is a 2 wD and I love it,I am a big enthusiast of ev I drive a leaf and would love to have my t3 to be converted in a much simpler low tech, no ac no induction but surely the cost must still be prohibitive.
What about a Tourist Coach ?
There is certainly enough room for Batteries and Motors, enough roof space for some solar panels, enough space inside for your designer kitchen, AND you could probably get a decent bed in there as well !
You do a really great work.
I would love to do projects like this in germany
The one I’ve been waiting for :)
Lol. Watching the show in my country on discovery. Getting the prompt from youtube if I like videos as this.. Big brother watching me but love the show😎👍🏻👍🏻
Glad you like the channel 👍
Use the interior hammock loop hooks (see below/above) to hang a projector screen and have a camping cinema on the go.
HA! I love it. Something I've asked for...and here it is!!! Yes! Thank You.
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?
E-MOG would be so damn cool!
type 25 and T3. the van is a type 25 and the model is a T3 ( third generation van)
T25 (or 'Type25') is a UK-only misnomer... the T actually stands for *Transporter* and the 3 is the 3rd generation. The Splitty being a T1 and Bay being T2... this is not to be confused with the Type number were all buses are Type 2 (Type 1 being a Beetle, and Type 3 being Fastback etc)...
Hi Rich. Will there be any Vintage Voltage in the near future? I always enjoy watching the actual hard work that goes into one of these builds, not just an explaination video of what has been done on the project.
Yes. More VV to come. 😁👍
@@ElectricClassicCars I love the under construction videos as you get to see the items going into the build. The full name and better explanation of each item would be very helpful.
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?
I love these conversions. One question. Why not a heat pump instead of the ptc heaters?
We will be trying out a heat pump in a future build. 👍
Great tube, love seeing the builds.
Thank you.
Glad you like the channel 👍👍
Pls give us a rough cost of this conversion ! Incredible van
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...
crazy cool
I can understand not putting batteries below the floor in a Synchro, especially with the use it is going to be put to, but in an ordinary T3 the ground clearance is still ridiculously high, and once the petrol externals like tanks and heating pipes are removed there is an enormous space between the wheels. Then an extra protector sheet would be the final thing. Or am I missing something?
True, but you need to find battery modules that then fit in-between the chassis outriggers. We've looked at it a number of time on T1, T2 and T3 and with various battery module designs. Couldn't get a good solution without comprising the ground clearance and exposing the battery pack to increase risk of impact from road debris.
@@ElectricClassicCars Oh right. So Tesla modules are a bit too big to squeeze between the frame. That's a shame. That's an excellent space resource going to waste. What about other batteries types? I guess there aren't enough of those around yet?
i love also the long format. keep up the content