Finally! We know how this story ends! Thank you for posting this video. I was on the edge of my chair since the last video wondering what happened to you. Sorry it didn't go as planned, but at least you learned a lot from it. Good luck with your next project!
You could've just looked at his Instagram or his girlfriends. He made it to NYC like 3 weeks ago. He just extended the videos to make more money off of you
@@danagorniak3893 what do I have to be bitter about? I still enjoyed his videos. But I watched them knowing he was taking advantage of me. Other people, especially you. Would not be that intelligent to understand he stretches out the videos to make more. So he is therefore taking advantage of those fans. You do know he got banned from RUclips before right? 'Foodforlouis' he would eat roadkill.
That was very emotional seeing you happily reunited with Raya. Unlike a movie, real life does not always work out perfectly but you have the right attitude of accepting the things you cannot change, counting your blessings and moving on. Proud of you Louis!
Again, hats off to Tyler and the guys over at MC Auto Repair and Towing! Louis, so glad you made it! Loved the way Cali went running straight into Raya's arms! 💕
Congrats, Louis and Cali!!! It was the best series of your channel, without a doubt! And it does not matter if you didn't arrive with the Van to NY, the effort and the videos were really next level of quality and entertainment! Thank you so much for sharing!
As a huge Volkswagen fanatic I loved this series! Can’t wait to see how you get back to it and complete the journey!!! Not sure if anyone has attempted such a thing in an electric car but I commend you for figuring it out as you went! To be continued!
I definitely enjoyed all these videos in this series. I was walking around the house thinking to myself," I wonder if Louis ever made it to N.Y., so I hopped on my computer and you had just posted this video 6 minutes ago, lol. I enjoyed every minute of the journey. I cant wait until the next one.
That cute little VW bus reminds me my old vw van 1971 converted water cooled radiator in the back with full size cranking sunroof. Good old days - driving from Santa Ana, southern California to Seattle, Washington along 101 coastal Hwy on summer days in 80s.
I was trying to be so patient to hear an update, and now we know how it ended and that you are okay!! Glad you have drawn such a great audience - everyone should stick around for your couples channel. You make very compelling content!
Sorry you couldn’t finish your journey! There are quite a few EVs that get 300 to 400 plus miles to a charge. Majority is 200 to 300 miles to a charge. The fast/super chargers can do like 200 miles or more in like 20 to thirty minutes. Which is when you ready for a restroom break and possibly food break anyhow. By the time you use the restroom and snack a bit and check your next stop your charged and ready to hit the road.
I had done a restoration project on my 1959 VW Bus a number of years ago. The older bus’ look really cool, but as you mentioned, the modern luxuries of new cars, like a good heater, are very nice.
I love your optimism. I am so much not in ur world and would never be able to engineer/ plan / execute a trip like this. I kept checking back to see how u did. I hope u know what u do is sort of cool and tickles so many of us. Cheers!
You did great, considering all the obstacles you encountered! So glad to see your holidays went well. The future holds so much promise for you both. 🎉🎉
Thanks so much for this amazing series! We've loved following along with your adventures and are so glad you and Cali made it to Raya and NY in time for Christmas. Of course it's sad that the final stretch didn't go as planned, but as you say you have lots of experience doing an EV road trip under your belt now, which will help immensely on the next one ⚡ The new plan for the Voltswagon sounds so exciting! We can't wait to follow along, also with your next electric conversion. We hope to meet on the road someday! Cheers from our electric campervan in The Netherlands 🚐
Sometimes things don't go as planned, but lead you on a new journey. I love how you turned it into a positive for future journeys. Way to go!! I've enjoyed these updates, even though they were stressful. 😊
Finally, I was holding my breath waiting to find out how it all turned out!! Valiant effort with your loyal travel companion Kelly. And remember it's not the destination but the journey that matters!🤗
EE here. I would suggest next time that you check the minimum temperature of the cells with regard to your BMS specifications. I suggest that the BMS shut off the cells that were at some minimum temperature if they were not at the minimum voltage cutoff already. Now you can get a BMS with bluetooth that would allow you to set the minimum temperature of the cells to something much lower. So if the cells were not too low then it was the minimum temperature cutoff that displayed only a portion of the voltage that you need.
I am so happy that you made it safely to Raya and your families. Your little puppy Cali is the best little dog ever, what a great companion. She is just amazing! I am also so impressed with your knowledge and resourcefulness, Louie. Happy, healthy 2023!
Not sure how much you were charging, but road tripping channels I have seen is to charge to 80%. That is actually quicker than trying to go to 100%. Plus you need to make some modes to be able to take more charging current. Plus a heater for the battery is a must in cold weather.
Love your channel & videos. You are a brave man. Keeping ours petrol 1600 upright and traveling the Country in it this summer. GA to ME through Canada to MI back to GA 65 mph foot on floor the whole way cant wait. It too will be electric one day I'm sure. The best thing about a VW "someone has made a conversion for that".... Thanks for being a Pioneer!
So it seems like a few other upgrades would be helpful for the Volts wagon: 1. Fast charging 2. Expanded battery capactiy 3. The ability to heat the batteries in cold temps.
Sad you didn't make it but please try not to spread any more negative things about EVs as there is enough out there already. For people buying an EV, It's all about buying the correct one for the purpose and if you are traveling long distances you need DC rapid charging. If you had fitted it to the VW you could have added over 100 miles of range in 30 mins. A Tesla or other EV can add even more than 200 miles of range in 30 mins - as it's fit for this purpose.
Great way to bring this phase of your adventure to a close for the winter. Look forward to future installments and new developments with Solarrolla. Perhaps new access coming to Tesla superchargers will fit into the Volts Wagon's future? Keep having fun & best of luck!
Any road trip in a 50 y/o VW type II is an adventure, for sure! I've thought that a re-issue of the 1967 VW T-II, but with 4 electric motors in the wheels (with re-generation) and a carbon fibre tub, with steel frame and aluminum body panels and at least a 150KwH battery would be a winner!
As a VW owner of an 80s vanagon, I feel your pain. There's no way to make these vehicles completely problem free. ICE or electric, AAA always ends up being your best friend with these cars. They're great when they're not being pushed to their limits. The rear engine and lack of cooling and insulation makes them fair weather vehicles from a bygone time before climate change. Wishing you the best and maybe you can keep the electric dream alive with your bus.
Thank you for posting this first ending to the van trip. I really appreciate your problem solving skills and your knowledge. Well done! Such a great series! I dont know anything about any of this but you sure make it interesting.
The Volkswagen Beetle conversion is a brilliant idea, IMO. Since the commercial world of EVs leans so heavily on SUVs--which, besides being dangerous to pedestrians, put an enormous strain on roadbeds--it's important to "think small" and explore the possibilities of human-sized vehicles. In its heyday, the VW beetle was perfectly sized and suited to road travel for the majority of people. It deserves a second look through the lens of electrification.
I just admire you and your mental strength. Congrats for your hardwork! You should be proud of yourself for showing the real side of these kind of adventures. Not everything goes to plan, but stories are always better with a plot twist! ps: Cali is just the best, she really seems to match your energy, super nice and chill!
Next time I would sign Jehu and others on a retainer for support so they can be paid for their time and expertise. Friends and subscribers could also sign up to offer garage space and 220V outlet to charge. Video calls into your expert support team and visits with friends and subscribers would be more interesting than RV parks. Jehu could also cover this trip on his channel from the pre-trip prep and problem solving along the way. Others like Jehu could actually offer support for others doing road trips. It could be a RUclips channel by itself. I’d watch and learn so much.
Hey Louis, happy to know you and Cali got to New York safely for Christmas with Raya and your family. It wasn't a fail at all, loved the videos. The van will be even better after all the upgrades. ♥It was great to follow your adventure, happy new year! ☺✨
What a great series Louis. I don't know if you succeeded or not yet as I just started this episode. Make it or not this series was a major success in content! I loved it :)
No you did not fail sahiib. Failure is not in your vocabulary. What you did was challenge against all odds of nature in the final lap. And you nearly made it. Happy to see you enjoyed with your family in the festive season. Great adventure and good luck in your next one - just watching it made us go through with you.
For everyone watching along DC fast charging on a diy EV is very possible, CHADEMO is a thing already, and several aftermarket EV parts makers are close to finishing CCS charger modules for true DC fast charging If Louise repeated this in like a year after upgrading the bus to have 150kw fast charging AND BATTERY HEATERS, it'd be a cool redemption
Loved following your adventure across America and all the ups and downs. And it's so good to see you posting here on YT again :) Wishing you both all the best.
Aww man! Such a bummer you couldn’t make it all the way but so happy that you got to reunite with Raya and her adorable baby bump. 😍 Looking on the bright side, when you finally get back to the VW, you will be in a beautiful part of the country to explore! I grew up about an hour south of where Solarrolla is located and it is gorgeous. I can’t believe something owned by you two ended up in the middle of nowhere in northern Wisconsin. 😂
Glad to hear almost every battery is fine. That's a win. Also you could have gone North through Buffalo during that deadly snowstorm and ended up another stranded snow covered victim, instead. So there is a silver lining. In the future EV owners can refer to this to troubleshoot BMS & connection issues. It was a hell of an adventurous trip. Looking forward to the van diagnosis & return trip. Happy New Year Louis & Raya!
Amazing journey! Sad that you couldn’t make it to New York, but also so excited for the new chapter, with the solar idea, it’s going to be awesome! (Sorry for my English, it’s not my first language 😅)
OMG This was amaaaazing. Can't remember me refreshing RUclips and checking a specific channel for an update the last few few years. The suspense was amazing, sad to see the voltswagon go down but you are one though warrior. Can't wait for the next adventure.
I will never change to electric unless they have bigger range, faster charging and can hold up in colder climates. I live in Finland. Plus need a pickup truck.
Actual EVs from car companies actually do everything you ask for including 0 to 80 percent fast charge in 18 minutes. Louis just made a really shitty Ev conversion.
Your doing a task that even Tesla or other popular electric car owners wouldn't do with extreme cold weather, especially in a self made van with no climate controls and battery thermal management system, im glad that gentleman helped you in that anxious situation.
What an epic adventure. It doesn’t always have to end as expected. That’s what makes it an adventure. Thank you for showing the ups and downs. That’s life and life is gooooood!
Ages ago on Edd China's channel I commented he might try EV conversions going fwd. Looks like Vintage Voltage has taken the lead and now Louis is charging ahead too (puns fully intended;) Thoroughly enjoyed this series! Thank you
so glad you and Calli are ok. In all we do, we learn and now you have another exciting adventure to have in the van and we will come along eager as ever. Thank you Louis for these wonderful episodes in the Volts Wagon.
You did not fail at all. Made a legendary series and made it back to your love before Christmas. That was a huge challenge and you definitely succeeded. Congratulations on your successful journey. Can’t wait to see what you do with the bug.
Congrats Louis, across country road trip during the winter is always a challenge. I've traveled from Vermont to Florida many times & there was never a dull moment.
Solar on vehicles is good for powering your life in the van BUT just not good enough to power the drive wheels very far, especially in a vehicle as aerodynamic as a brink like the VW. You showed one of the best in the clips which could add about 50kwh in a sunny Mexico on a day to drive around 100 miles, which is the best but needs a massive foldable/tiltable array (which ended got blown off as someone forgot to add the locking bolt!) - best to add some solar for cooking, heating/cooling, charging gadgets and a vehicle rapid charger ( at least 100kw plus DC) and you will be able to travel in summer a lot further and quicker - Hi from the UK and good luck😉
What a roller-coaster!!! So excited for your next project and adventure! Breaking down in the Volts wagon where you did sounds like a blessing as now she will be upgraded.
I got hooked on watching your videos when I stumbled onto your around the world flight with JP. That was a fantastic adventure although I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t want to fly a single-engine Cessna across the Pacific Ocean. I’ve done that on ships and jet liners and it is a LONG freaking way. One thing that I’ve learned from watching your VW minivan EV adventure is that EVs are not ready for prime time. Also, in looking at the process from mining to disposal/recycling, the whole wind/solar/EV thing is an environmental catastrophe of major proportion. From the vast swaths of natural habitat destroyed to build winds and solar farms, to strip mining the earth for the metals and minerals needed for these gigantic batteries, to the massive waste streams created by manufacturing and disposal, to dead whales, to dead eagles, and myriad other unforeseen problems, it seems clear that nobody researched it well enough before we dove in head first. In order to replace all automotive vehicles with EVs we will need to more than double the capacity of our national power grid. The amount of copper and other metals needed for this are astronomical. So we shall see but I think that when the promoters of wind started building windmills offshore I think they screwed up. Dead whales and visual pollution of our seashores are bringing the wrath of ordinary people.
Glad you made it home to Rya & your families for the holidays. Too bad the Volts wagen didn't make it. I 'm interested to see the Beetle conversion from ICE to electric!
So you didn’t fail. Great job. The point was getting to NY and you did. I knew that van wasn’t going to make it its not prepared for snow but i can’t wait to see it after you fix it up. Great video glad you made it on time
Awesome, so glad the Volt wagon is having an upgrade. You say your next project will be a Beetle, can't wait as I'm a huge fan of the bugs, had one as my first car. Look forward to that... Bring it on. 🤟😜
I was hoping you'd have the flatbed truck take you and the van all the way to NY. You know, a truck can tow a car on a dolly quite efficiently. In a bigger truck, you could have the van inside. In terms of the next adventure, I don't see any reason you couldn't tow a 6 by 10 foot solar panel that opens up and doubles in size when parked. Solarrolla looks GREAT! Any tilt bed truck can load you on to a big box truck where you strap it in place.
I am so glad the van got collected by your friend and is getting made into a solar power van instead. And you enjoyed Christmas and New Year with you family's 😊 💙💖🐶🫄🏻💖XXXX
I am so glad that you were able to make it to Raya for Christmas, I had wondered. I am also glad to know that your van was able to go and get help. Good luck on your VW Beetle project.
I haven't checked in on your videos for quite a few years, but this series got me hooked and made me remember why I fell in love with your videos in the first place! I'll definitely keep watching regularly again now. Loved this series and can't wait for part 2!
I have loved watching this adventure and so impressed with your skills, knowledge and mostly patience and positive attitude! As a VW fan who's struggling to part ways with my aging, money pit of a T4, you have given me hope that maybe, just maybe, someone will be able to convert my gas guzzling rust bucket in the near future too 🤞✨️✨️
Big break between uploads, hope all is well! edit- just finished watching, damn. What a shame, you almost made it. But at least you're making some positives out of it, im definitely looking forwards to the Tesla van upgrade and the Beetle conversion!
Think this conversion is a great idea, it would just need more range. Unfortunately for a full time vanlifer this would not be feasible. (Travelling to other countries would be a challenge)
I’m glad you’re alive! Seeing you regularly engage has inspired me to restart my own RUclips channel! Here is to hoping the first 1,000 subscribers happen quickly!
Such a great series Louis! Thank you for sharing and bringing us along! I loved it! I really admire how you can power through during the tough, problem solving situations.
I'm only 3 minutes into the video but if I had to guess, the salt mixed with the ice created a short somewhere. the only solution for this in the future is to encase the batteries in a better weather sealant case
Even though you weren't able to finish this trip as planned you did so well! 👏🏻 I'm glad you were able to make it back to New York in time for the holidays and spend precious time with Raya and your families. Looking forward to your next EV adventures!
Epic story anyways thanks and I hope next time u see your van it just works and u don't know why but next time u make electrical connections u make sure their strong
The ending with your wife was so nice ❤️ this is the first series I’ve watched on your channel but I loved every episode! Nice work my friend, can’t wait to watch more of your videos in the future 😋
I'm not sure what the material of the busbars were if they were copper or nickel but regardless it is known that the resistance increases with temperature and the resistance decreases with temperature so if it got too low then as R->0 you can induce a short circuit in the connection. Now BMS should have short circuit protection so it shut off the cells but it I'm not sure exactly why it is that they killed your batteries completely if at all then you should reset all of your connections. If you used Copper busbars then you could also could use Nickel busbars or (you can also use Aluminum) but check the operating temperature range, but I'm pretty sure that Nickel is more resistant to current flow changes in the lower temperatures or a higher span of temperature protection due to increased resistivity at low temperatures.
What a great series. Absolute legend. Even when things go wrong it’s a weirdly wonderful experience. It’s great to see you problem solving and learning on the trip. Let’s be honest if everything went right, we’d never have challenges. Keep the content coming. It’s amazing ❤️
Awwwww, we were so pulling for you Louis. We were really hoping you would make it there in the Volts Wagon. Those first 17 days were an absolutely amazing feat! Hats off to you😊
I drove from Albuquerque to New York and back in a Prius and did up to 700 miles per day. After watching these videos I would never take the next step to an EV!
Never see this as a failure Louis!! You provided me and many others here with multiple quality videos of your trip along the way even through the struggles you faced, this alone highlights you perseverance and it is very motivating to watch people get through struggles like these with a level head, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the trip and am glad you made it safely back to Raya for Christmas!! Awesome job, and keep on keeping on!
Congratulations!!! You did it!! It may have not gone according to plan but you did it!🥳🥳 I'm excited for the next video, hopefully you got some much needed rest.
Finally! We know how this story ends! Thank you for posting this video. I was on the edge of my chair since the last video wondering what happened to you. Sorry it didn't go as planned, but at least you learned a lot from it. Good luck with your next project!
You could've just looked at his Instagram or his girlfriends. He made it to NYC like 3 weeks ago. He just extended the videos to make more money off of you
@@Jayess-c wow you sound super bitter
Im so happy you made it safely Louis!!!! I hope you and all of the family had a very merry Christmas ❤
@@Jayess-c Now wife
@@danagorniak3893 what do I have to be bitter about? I still enjoyed his videos. But I watched them knowing he was taking advantage of me. Other people, especially you. Would not be that intelligent to understand he stretches out the videos to make more. So he is therefore taking advantage of those fans. You do know he got banned from RUclips before right? 'Foodforlouis' he would eat roadkill.
An incredible series.
👍😉
This ☝🏾
Yes👍, thank you Louis for making it. Excited for the next.
Second this!
@@Ed.R
+1
That was very emotional seeing you happily reunited with Raya. Unlike a movie, real life does not always work out perfectly but you have the right attitude of accepting the things you cannot change, counting your blessings and moving on. Proud of you Louis!
18 days in the struggle bus, and that's how it ends! So sorry, man. I'm glad you didn't freeze. We were worried here. Best of luck in the future.
Greyhound bus next time will be faster 😊🐺
@@larsstougaard7097 or a modern ev. The Record for the cannonball run with an ev is 42 hours and 17 minutes…
@@erebostd cool 😎, cannonball Luis here we go 🛞🛞🔋🪫🔋🪫🛞🛞
Again, hats off to Tyler and the guys over at MC Auto Repair and Towing!
Louis, so glad you made it! Loved the way Cali went running straight into Raya's arms! 💕
Your chilled attitude to the whole trip and controlling your range anxiety was impressive
So impressive! I just use an electric bike and I get far more anxious than he did LOL
Honestly I think I would freak out on the first day... And I'm a calm person.
@@NZKiwi87 don't you have pedals 😅
Congrats, Louis and Cali!!! It was the best series of your channel, without a doubt! And it does not matter if you didn't arrive with the Van to NY, the effort and the videos were really next level of quality and entertainment! Thank you so much for sharing!
You and Callie are tough travelers and electric vehicle pioneers! Very much enjoyed your journey. Long live the Volts Wagon!
Such a cliffhanger. Glad it all worked out. Tyler is the real hero here, he came to the rescue
As a huge Volkswagen fanatic I loved this series! Can’t wait to see how you get back to it and complete the journey!!! Not sure if anyone has attempted such a thing in an electric car but I commend you for figuring it out as you went! To be continued!
Many people complete astounding road trips in electric vehicles. Louis may hold the record for an electric conversion though.
I definitely enjoyed all these videos in this series. I was walking around the house thinking to myself," I wonder if Louis ever made it to N.Y., so I hopped on my computer and you had just posted this video 6 minutes ago, lol. I enjoyed every minute of the journey. I cant wait until the next one.
Awww, Tyler is the best! He's such a good human, helping in so many ways.
That cute little VW bus reminds me my old vw van 1971 converted water cooled radiator in the back with full size cranking sunroof. Good old days - driving from Santa Ana, southern California to Seattle, Washington along 101 coastal Hwy on summer days in 80s.
I was trying to be so patient to hear an update, and now we know how it ended and that you are okay!! Glad you have drawn such a great audience - everyone should stick around for your couples channel. You make very compelling content!
Sorry you couldn’t finish your journey! There are quite a few EVs that get 300 to 400 plus miles to a charge. Majority is 200 to 300 miles to a charge. The fast/super chargers can do like 200 miles or more in like 20 to thirty minutes. Which is when you ready for a restroom break and possibly food break anyhow. By the time you use the restroom and snack a bit and check your next stop your charged and ready to hit the road.
I had done a restoration project on my 1959 VW Bus a number of years ago. The older bus’ look really cool, but as you mentioned, the modern luxuries of new cars, like a good heater, are very nice.
I love your optimism. I am so much not in ur world and would never be able to engineer/ plan / execute a trip like this. I kept checking back to see how u did. I hope u know what u do is sort of cool and tickles so many of us. Cheers!
You did great, considering all the obstacles you encountered! So glad to see your holidays went well. The future holds so much promise for you both. 🎉🎉
So close Louis. It was a valiant attempt. TBH not many petrol VW Kombis would’ve made it across America without at least one breakdown. You did well.
Thanks so much for this amazing series! We've loved following along with your adventures and are so glad you and Cali made it to Raya and NY in time for Christmas. Of course it's sad that the final stretch didn't go as planned, but as you say you have lots of experience doing an EV road trip under your belt now, which will help immensely on the next one ⚡ The new plan for the Voltswagon sounds so exciting! We can't wait to follow along, also with your next electric conversion. We hope to meet on the road someday! Cheers from our electric campervan in The Netherlands 🚐
Sometimes things don't go as planned, but lead you on a new journey. I love how you turned it into a positive for future journeys. Way to go!! I've enjoyed these updates, even though they were stressful. 😊
Dude, I love the electronic van and your big idea but it's problem after problem. Thanks for bringing us all along for the journey
The problems make it more of an experience.
I was waiting for this video :)
outstanding series !! really great job !!!! found every one interesting and was so hoping you would make it !!😃😃😃
Finally, I was holding my breath waiting to find out how it all turned out!! Valiant effort with your loyal travel companion Kelly.
And remember it's not the destination but the journey that matters!🤗
I loved following this series!! Truly an adventure 😅
Also this part was killing me 😂 7:39
💀🤣
EE here. I would suggest next time that you check the minimum temperature of the cells with regard to your BMS specifications. I suggest that the BMS shut off the cells that were at some minimum temperature if they were not at the minimum voltage cutoff already. Now you can get a BMS with bluetooth that would allow you to set the minimum temperature of the cells to something much lower. So if the cells were not too low then it was the minimum temperature cutoff that displayed only a portion of the voltage that you need.
I am so happy that you made it safely to Raya and your families. Your little puppy Cali is the best little dog ever, what a great companion. She is just amazing! I am also so impressed with your knowledge and resourcefulness, Louie. Happy, healthy 2023!
Thank you for not dumbing it down and including the technical details, allows people to learn from what you're doing. Good work Louis :)
Not sure how much you were charging, but road tripping channels I have seen is to charge to 80%. That is actually quicker than trying to go to 100%. Plus you need to make some modes to be able to take more charging current. Plus a heater for the battery is a must in cold weather.
Love your channel & videos. You are a brave man. Keeping ours petrol 1600 upright and traveling the Country in it this summer. GA to ME through Canada to MI back to GA 65 mph foot on floor the whole way cant wait. It too will be electric one day I'm sure. The best thing about a VW "someone has made a conversion for that".... Thanks for being a Pioneer!
Such perseverance. Just a postponement. And a bit of lesson-learning..... I do particularly appreciate your real-world experience with an EV.
It’s a good thing that you helped with the van conversion otherwise you wouldn’t be able to troubleshoot. Such a great advantage! Great series!
So it seems like a few other upgrades would be helpful for the Volts wagon:
1. Fast charging
2. Expanded battery capactiy
3. The ability to heat the batteries in cold temps.
Sad you didn't make it but please try not to spread any more negative things about EVs as there is enough out there already. For people buying an EV, It's all about buying the correct one for the purpose and if you are traveling long distances you need DC rapid charging. If you had fitted it to the VW you could have added over 100 miles of range in 30 mins. A Tesla or other EV can add even more than 200 miles of range in 30 mins - as it's fit for this purpose.
Great way to bring this phase of your adventure to a close for the winter. Look forward to future installments and new developments with Solarrolla. Perhaps new access coming to Tesla superchargers will fit into the Volts Wagon's future? Keep having fun & best of luck!
Any road trip in a 50 y/o VW type II is an adventure, for sure! I've thought that a re-issue of the 1967 VW T-II, but with 4 electric motors in the wheels (with re-generation) and a carbon fibre tub, with steel frame and aluminum body panels and at least a 150KwH battery would be a winner!
Glad you got close enough to New York. You did a good run considering the weather conditions.
As a VW owner of an 80s vanagon, I feel your pain. There's no way to make these vehicles completely problem free. ICE or electric, AAA always ends up being your best friend with these cars. They're great when they're not being pushed to their limits. The rear engine and lack of cooling and insulation makes them fair weather vehicles from a bygone time before climate change. Wishing you the best and maybe you can keep the electric dream alive with your bus.
Thank you for posting this first ending to the van trip. I really appreciate your problem solving skills and your knowledge. Well done! Such a great series! I dont know anything about any of this but you sure make it interesting.
Just from watching the couple's channel and couldn't wait to be here. Outstanding series. Thank you Louis
The Volkswagen Beetle conversion is a brilliant idea, IMO. Since the commercial world of EVs leans so heavily on SUVs--which, besides being dangerous to pedestrians, put an enormous strain on roadbeds--it's important to "think small" and explore the possibilities of human-sized vehicles. In its heyday, the VW beetle was perfectly sized and suited to road travel for the majority of people. It deserves a second look through the lens of electrification.
I just admire you and your mental strength. Congrats for your hardwork! You should be proud of yourself for showing the real side of these kind of adventures. Not everything goes to plan, but stories are always better with a plot twist!
ps: Cali is just the best, she really seems to match your energy, super nice and chill!
@louis ?
Next time I would sign Jehu and others on a retainer for support so they can be paid for their time and expertise. Friends and subscribers could also sign up to offer garage space and 220V outlet to charge. Video calls into your expert support team and visits with friends and subscribers would be more interesting than RV parks. Jehu could also cover this trip on his channel from the pre-trip prep and problem solving along the way. Others like Jehu could actually offer support for others doing road trips. It could be a RUclips channel by itself. I’d watch and learn so much.
Hey Louis, happy to know you and Cali got to New York safely for Christmas with Raya and your family. It wasn't a fail at all, loved the videos. The van will be even better after all the upgrades. ♥It was great to follow your adventure, happy new year! ☺✨
At least you made it safe and sound, and, WOW, what a trip!!! Thank you for taking us all out there with you. ❤
@Fun_ForLouis. Hello, i can't tell if this is actually from you or a bot account. Please use the gift for charity or buy Cali a sweater. :) ❤
What a great series Louis. I don't know if you succeeded or not yet as I just started this episode. Make it or not this series was a major success in content! I loved it :)
I love that he’s still excited about solar after all that, I’d feel jinxed. Such a great keep at it attitude. 💖
No you did not fail sahiib. Failure is not in your vocabulary. What you did was challenge against all odds of nature in the final lap. And you nearly made it. Happy to see you enjoyed with your family in the festive season.
Great adventure and good luck in your next one - just watching it made us go through with you.
So pleased you and Callie got home safely!
It was a great journey. Glad you made it safe and sound!
For everyone watching along
DC fast charging on a diy EV is very possible, CHADEMO is a thing already, and several aftermarket EV parts makers are close to finishing CCS charger modules for true DC fast charging
If Louise repeated this in like a year after upgrading the bus to have 150kw fast charging AND BATTERY HEATERS, it'd be a cool redemption
I absolutely love this series. I’m so glad you made it safe and sound. I can’t wait to see what is in store next.
Loved following your adventure across America and all the ups and downs. And it's so good to see you posting here on YT again :) Wishing you both all the best.
Aww man! Such a bummer you couldn’t make it all the way but so happy that you got to reunite with Raya and her adorable baby bump. 😍 Looking on the bright side, when you finally get back to the VW, you will be in a beautiful part of the country to explore! I grew up about an hour south of where Solarrolla is located and it is gorgeous. I can’t believe something owned by you two ended up in the middle of nowhere in northern Wisconsin. 😂
Glad to hear almost every battery is fine. That's a win. Also you could have gone North through Buffalo during that deadly snowstorm and ended up another stranded snow covered victim, instead. So there is a silver lining. In the future EV owners can refer to this to troubleshoot BMS & connection issues. It was a hell of an adventurous trip. Looking forward to the van diagnosis & return trip. Happy New Year Louis & Raya!
Amazing journey! Sad that you couldn’t make it to New York, but also so excited for the new chapter, with the solar idea, it’s going to be awesome! (Sorry for my English, it’s not my first language 😅)
OMG This was amaaaazing. Can't remember me refreshing RUclips and checking a specific channel for an update the last few few years. The suspense was amazing, sad to see the voltswagon go down but you are one though warrior. Can't wait for the next adventure.
I will never change to electric unless they have bigger range, faster charging and can hold up in colder climates. I live in Finland.
Plus need a pickup truck.
Actual EVs from car companies actually do everything you ask for including 0 to 80 percent fast charge in 18 minutes. Louis just made a really shitty Ev conversion.
I'm glad you made to NYC in time for Xmas. Thos people at the garage weren't very friendly.
Your doing a task that even Tesla or other popular electric car owners wouldn't do with extreme cold weather, especially in a self made van with no climate controls and battery thermal management system, im glad that gentleman helped you in that anxious situation.
What an epic adventure. It doesn’t always have to end as expected. That’s what makes it an adventure. Thank you for showing the ups and downs. That’s life and life is gooooood!
Ages ago on Edd China's channel I commented he might try EV conversions going fwd. Looks like Vintage Voltage has taken the lead and now Louis is charging ahead too (puns fully intended;) Thoroughly enjoyed this series! Thank you
so glad you and Calli are ok. In all we do, we learn and now you have another exciting adventure to have in the van and we will come along eager as ever. Thank you Louis for these wonderful episodes in the Volts Wagon.
You did not fail at all. Made a legendary series and made it back to your love before Christmas. That was a huge challenge and you definitely succeeded. Congratulations on your successful journey. Can’t wait to see what you do with the bug.
Congrats Louis, across country road trip during the winter is always a challenge. I've traveled from Vermont to Florida many times & there was never a dull moment.
Solar on vehicles is good for powering your life in the van BUT just not good enough to power the drive wheels very far, especially in a vehicle as aerodynamic as a brink like the VW. You showed one of the best in the clips which could add about 50kwh in a sunny Mexico on a day to drive around 100 miles, which is the best but needs a massive foldable/tiltable array (which ended got blown off as someone forgot to add the locking bolt!) - best to add some solar for cooking, heating/cooling, charging gadgets and a vehicle rapid charger ( at least 100kw plus DC) and you will be able to travel in summer a lot further and quicker - Hi from the UK and good luck😉
Louis despite the van breaking down on you, this was an amazing/eye opening experiment to witness, not a failure!
I'm sure we all liked the upside of this whole situation, we will have a second chapter of this adventure ❤🙌🏽
What a roller-coaster!!! So excited for your next project and adventure! Breaking down in the Volts wagon where you did sounds like a blessing as now she will be upgraded.
I got hooked on watching your videos when I stumbled onto your around the world flight with JP. That was a fantastic adventure although I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t want to fly a single-engine Cessna across the Pacific Ocean. I’ve done that on ships and jet liners and it is a LONG freaking way.
One thing that I’ve learned from watching your VW minivan EV adventure is that EVs are not ready for prime time. Also, in looking at the process from mining to disposal/recycling, the whole wind/solar/EV thing is an environmental catastrophe of major proportion. From the vast swaths of natural habitat destroyed to build winds and solar farms, to strip mining the earth for the metals and minerals needed for these gigantic batteries, to the massive waste streams created by manufacturing and disposal, to dead whales, to dead eagles, and myriad other unforeseen problems, it seems clear that nobody researched it well enough before we dove in head first.
In order to replace all automotive vehicles with EVs we will need to more than double the capacity of our national power grid. The amount of copper and other metals needed for this are astronomical.
So we shall see but I think that when the promoters of wind started building windmills offshore I think they screwed up. Dead whales and visual pollution of our seashores are bringing the wrath of ordinary people.
So happy you Cali made it safely! Your reunion with Raya made me cry with happiness!
Glad you made it home to Rya & your families for the holidays. Too bad the Volts wagen didn't make it. I 'm interested to see the Beetle conversion from ICE to electric!
"Peace out, enjoy life, live the adventure" ... yep, thanks for the adventure Louis, can't wait for the next one!🤙
So you didn’t fail. Great job. The point was getting to NY and you did. I knew that van wasn’t going to make it its not prepared for snow but i can’t wait to see it after you fix it up. Great video glad you made it on time
Awesome, so glad the Volt wagon is having an upgrade. You say your next project will be a Beetle, can't wait as I'm a huge fan of the bugs, had one as my first car. Look forward to that... Bring it on. 🤟😜
I was hoping you'd have the flatbed truck take you and the van all the way to NY. You know, a truck can tow a car on a dolly quite efficiently. In a bigger truck, you could have the van inside. In terms of the next adventure, I don't see any reason you couldn't tow a 6 by 10 foot solar panel that opens up and doubles in size when parked. Solarrolla looks GREAT! Any tilt bed truck can load you on to a big box truck where you strap it in place.
I am so glad the van got collected by your friend and is getting made into a solar power van instead.
And you enjoyed Christmas and New Year with you family's 😊 💙💖🐶🫄🏻💖XXXX
I am so glad that you were able to make it to Raya for Christmas, I had wondered. I am also glad to know that your van was able to go and get help. Good luck on your VW Beetle project.
I haven't checked in on your videos for quite a few years, but this series got me hooked and made me remember why I fell in love with your videos in the first place! I'll definitely keep watching regularly again now. Loved this series and can't wait for part 2!
I have loved watching this adventure and so impressed with your skills, knowledge and mostly patience and positive attitude! As a VW fan who's struggling to part ways with my aging, money pit of a T4, you have given me hope that maybe, just maybe, someone will be able to convert my gas guzzling rust bucket in the near future too 🤞✨️✨️
Big break between uploads, hope all is well!
edit- just finished watching, damn. What a shame, you almost made it. But at least you're making some positives out of it, im definitely looking forwards to the Tesla van upgrade and the Beetle conversion!
Think this conversion is a great idea, it would just need more range. Unfortunately for a full time vanlifer this would not be feasible. (Travelling to other countries would be a challenge)
I’m glad you’re alive! Seeing you regularly engage has inspired me to restart my own RUclips channel! Here is to hoping the first 1,000 subscribers happen quickly!
Such a great series Louis! Thank you for sharing and bringing us along! I loved it! I really admire how you can power through during the tough, problem solving situations.
You got so close!! Youre amazing Louis!! I cant wait to see both conversions and to see the next adventure (:
I'm only 3 minutes into the video but if I had to guess, the salt mixed with the ice created a short somewhere. the only solution for this in the future is to encase the batteries in a better weather sealant case
I really wanted this trip to be completed in your van, but this was the best ending ... home to your honey for the holidays!
Well think about it this way, if it still had the VW engine it wouldn’t have made it this far.
Enjoy the family time and hope you have it sorted out.
Even though you weren't able to finish this trip as planned you did so well! 👏🏻
I'm glad you were able to make it back to New York in time for the holidays and spend precious time with Raya and your families. Looking forward to your next EV adventures!
Epic story anyways thanks and I hope next time u see your van it just works and u don't know why but next time u make electrical connections u make sure their strong
The ending with your wife was so nice ❤️ this is the first series I’ve watched on your channel but I loved every episode! Nice work my friend, can’t wait to watch more of your videos in the future 😋
I'm not sure what the material of the busbars were if they were copper or nickel but regardless it is known that the resistance increases with temperature and the resistance decreases with temperature so if it got too low then as R->0 you can induce a short circuit in the connection. Now BMS should have short circuit protection so it shut off the cells but it I'm not sure exactly why it is that they killed your batteries completely if at all then you should reset all of your connections. If you used Copper busbars then you could also could use Nickel busbars or (you can also use Aluminum) but check the operating temperature range, but I'm pretty sure that Nickel is more resistant to current flow changes in the lower temperatures or a higher span of temperature protection due to increased resistivity at low temperatures.
Loved this series! Looking forward to the next chapter of the adventure!!
What a great series. Absolute legend. Even when things go wrong it’s a weirdly wonderful experience. It’s great to see you problem solving and learning on the trip. Let’s be honest if everything went right, we’d never have challenges. Keep the content coming. It’s amazing ❤️
Awwwww, we were so pulling for you Louis. We were really hoping you would make it there in the Volts Wagon. Those first 17 days were an absolutely amazing feat! Hats off to you😊
It was a really good effort but very misguided doing it in the winter. However us pioneers must try these things lol
I drove from Albuquerque to New York and back in a Prius and did up to 700 miles per day. After watching these videos I would never take the next step to an EV!
Never see this as a failure Louis!! You provided me and many others here with multiple quality videos of your trip along the way even through the struggles you faced, this alone highlights you perseverance and it is very motivating to watch people get through struggles like these with a level head, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the trip and am glad you made it safely back to Raya for Christmas!! Awesome job, and keep on keeping on!
Congratulations!!! You did it!! It may have not gone according to plan but you did it!🥳🥳 I'm excited for the next video, hopefully you got some much needed rest.