Inquire about a VW Squareback: Is it typical for such a vehicle to be... electrified?
Revamped Article:
Meet Steve Payne and his one-of-a-kind electric VW Squareback. At first glance, this 1972 ride might seem like just another vintage car with a charming patina. But, dig a little deeper, and you'll discover its unique heart: an all-electric propulsion system!
Steve, partnering with Ben Taylor in Toronto's Beachman, specializes in building café racer e-bikes and electrifying various motorcycles and automobiles. His fascination with vintage cars and motorcycles predates their electrifying journey together.
"I've always been a VW guy, and this Squareback is a '72 Type 3, a model produced only for a brief spell. It was essentially abandoned at an airbase for two decades. The car's unusual patina isn't typical for these vehicles; usually, the floors rust, but this one's roof started rotting due to snow. Beneath the rusty exterior, it's incredibly solid," Steve elaborated.
The Squareback's original engine and transmission met their end, selling to another VW enthusiast for half of what Steve paid for the car. In their place, Steve installed a motor from a 2012 Nissan Leaf, known for its pioneering all-electric design. Custom subframes, CV axles, and direct drive to the rear wheels make it an entirely electric vehicle.
Apprenticeship in motorcycle mechanics eluded Steve early in his career, leading him to a completely different professional path – audio editing in television. However, his passion for two-wheelers remained, with a constant project in the works.
Steve's first venture into electric vehicle conversions came before electric motorcycles. He bought a '72 Bug, drove it for a while, and then sold it, only to convert it back due to its higher resale value with an original gas motor.
Revving up the Squareback is a thrilling experience. As a rear-wheel-drive vehicle with a 14Kw battery pack, it's lighter than the original VW, offering exceptional responsiveness. Despite its unassuming dashboard, it's equipped with a battery status screen, and the electric drivetrain is virtually undetectable.
Steve's Squareback is his preferred daily driver during the three seasons, charging at a Level 2 station and a Level 1 station at home. With a range of 100 kilometers, it's perfect for city cruising. As a prototype, it sets the stage for potential conversions at Beachman.
Steve's 1978 VW bus has been his ideal minivan for ten years, and a model Tesla drive unit awaits its future electrical conversion. Another vehicle in his collection, a '87 Porsche 924, promises a similar transformation.
Interestingly, Steve's electrified Squareback and other vintage EV projects follow a similar pattern. The original drivetrain is removed, replaced with electric motors, and modern battery packs installed. The electrical system is modernized, and vehicles are thoroughly tested and refined. With advancements in technology, these conversions are more accessible and efficient than ever before.
References:
- Electrifying a VW Bus: A DIY Guide
- Ford F-100 Electric Pickup Truck: A Success Story in Vintage EV Conversions
- Volvo P1800 EV Conversion: A Nostalgic Ride with Modern Flair
- MG MGB EV Conversion: A Guide for Classic Car Enthusiasts
- RBW: Revolutionizing Vintage EV Conversions
- Steve Payne enjoys driving his electric VW Squareback in Toronto, showcasing how art and technology can blend seamlessly in a modern lifestyle.
- Steve Payne's 1978 VW bus, serving as his minivan, is waiting for its turn to be transformed into an electric vehicle, joining the ranks of the evolving cars and electric-vehicles.
- Steve Payne's fascination with the arts extends to his vehicles, as he crafts each electrified project, including the Squareback, with a rustic charm that unbelievably coexists with cutting-edge technology.
- Despite working in audio editing for television, Steve Payne never abandoned his love for vehicles, particularly for vintage cars and motorcycles, which he electrifies with the help of his partner, Ben Taylor, at Toronto's Beachman workshop.
- With the rise of electric motorcycles, Steve Payne was an early adopter in the world of electric vehicle conversions, highlighting his dedication to the arts, passion for cars, and the potential for sustainable alternatives in the automotive industry.
