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Engineer Mario Vernazza decided to modify his classic Beetle and turn it into an electric car. The electric Beetle can reach speeds of 120 km/h and travel more than 100 km with only R$ 3.50.
The world is becoming increasingly focused on finding means of mobility that do not harm the environment, especially the automotive industry. One of the greatest expectations for the future of sustainability revolves around electric cars, which do not emit any type of direct pollutant. Due to their higher costs, automakers around the world are working in hopes of one day developing a cost-effective model. This is what Paraguayan engineer Mario Vernazza, 25, did by converting an electric Beetle using accessible technology through a search for simple parts around the world.
Electric Beetle Can Reach 120 Km/h
After investing approximately US$ 15,000 in parts and tests, the 85 Beetle of the Paraguayan engineer transformed into an electric Beetle. The idea was not based on any existing low-cost product compared to another electric car.
The electric vehicle has 12 batteries of 170 amperes and 8 volts, which can propel the model to a maximum speed of 120 km/h. The Beetle takes about 8 to 10 hours to fully charge on a standard household outlet.
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In terms of consumption, where one liter of ethanol is equivalent to 100 km of range, the engineer told reporters that with 800 km driven in a month with the electric car, his electricity bill only increased by R$35, meaning that if he drives only 100 km, he spends just R$ 3.50. The cost to convert the vehicle into an electric Beetle may seem high, but certainly, the driver would save in the long run while also contributing to sustainability.
Brazilian Engineer Also Converts Her Own VW Beetle to Electric
The classic VW Beetle 1972, which was previously gasoline-powered, had its engine replaced and became a battery-powered electric car; however, despite the change, the model still needs more range. The telecommunications engineer living in Espírito Santo, Aline Santos, modified the four-cylinder engine, replacing the gasoline engine with an electric one.
The engineer states that she made the modification because she aimed to better understand the reasons why electric vehicles are so costly in the country, and thus adapted her vehicle with the help of friends who also became interested and believed in the Electric Beetle project.
Brazilian Engineer’s Vehicle Can Be Charged at Any Outlet
Aline Santos states that one of the positives of her vehicle is its charging versatility, as the model can be recharged at any outlet. However, the downside of the model is its regulation.
The engineer highlighted that she faces problems to regularize the electric car at the Detran because the number of requirements and bureaucracy make the process discouraging.
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