Why would the COST to convert any vehicle to electric, be any different,
based on how good it's original gas mileage is?  Sounds like a load of crap
to me.  What is your personal experience regarding this?  None, I'll
bet..........
   The weight of ANY vehicle converted to electric will be heavy, but the
power used to propel that vehicle down the road will be the same.  The range
may be shorter in a heavier vehicle, all else the same.  The areodynamics
don't even come into play until you exceed certain speeds.  Shorter trips
and slower speeds will suit this fine, it just depends on how a person
intends to use this van.
  We're not trying to locate the optimum vehicle to convert, we're trying to
consider the actual concept when applied to our beloved vans.  The brakes,
suspension and subsequent handling on our van is more able to deal with the
added weight, than the cheap, weak crap on some small econobox.  Think about
it.

  There's always millions of people willing to say 'it can't be done'.  I
want to hear that one person say, "Yes, we can do that!'........which one
are you?

Mike B.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Guzyk" <paullist08@GUZYK.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, May 24, 2008 9:49 AM
Subject: Re: Diesel schmiesel...i'm thinking of going electric

>A Vanagon is one of the worst platforms for converting to an EV.
> Too heavy, no aerodynamics. A repeatable range of 100 miles it will
> cost you more than $8000.
>
> If you want an EV, get something small and light, like a Suzuki
> Swift.    Generally if it is good on gas it will be good on electric.
> If it is crappy on gas it will be expensive to convert to electric.