Contents
WelcomeWelcome to Cameron Motor Works battery electric vehicle conversion project. The intent of this project is to develop a state of art battery electric vehicle for research and development of EV computer systems as well as a EV demonstration vehicle for industry and public. We want to improve our world; not only where transportation is cheaper, but better for all of us, in the long run. Take your time and look around. The topics on the left hand side of the screen will guide you through this site.    News and EventsJan 2007 - Running Strong!Not much to report - why? Because the New Beetle EV requires no maintenance! The car is in nearly daily use and has worked just great - zooming around town.
Jul 2005 - 1st Place at Volkfest 2005We are happy to say that the New Beetle EV won first place at Volkfest 2005 held in Victoria, B.C. It is a real crowd pleaser.
Apr 2005 - On the RoadThe New Beetle is on the road and drives great. It is performing exactly as modelled!
Mar 2005 - FIRST TEST RUN!Although there is still lots of work to go, the team was excited to try out the New Beetle. It has passed the challenging driveway test: up and down the driveway numerous times. All tests passed!
Mar 2005 - Complete Drive System InstalledThe Complete Drive System has been installed and is ready to test
Feb 2005 - Wiring CompleteThe High Voltage System as well as interfacing to the existing electrical system
Feb 2005 - Battery Packs Complete and InstalledThe batteries have arrived and have been installed into vehicle. Click here for more info
Jan 2005 - Drive Adapter Plate Finished and InstalledThe drive and adapter plate is finally back from the machinists. Finally, the drive has been installed.
Jan 2005 - Batteries Selected and OrderedThe Deka 8G34R Gel Battery has been selected and have been ordered. They are expected to arrive the end of January.
Dec 2004 - Charger Purchased and InstalledA PFC-30 charger from Manzinita Micro has been purchased and installed.
Dec 2004 - Vacuum System InstalledThe vacuum system - which assists the brake system - has been installed, along with a vacuum reservoir.
Nov 2004 - Rear Battery Boxes CompleteThe rear battery boxes have been constructed an installed - a lot of big holes have been filled!
Oct 2004 - Interested in the fine details of the progress?If you are interested in the fine details of the progress, check out the The Grand To Do List
Sept 2004 - Drive and Inverter DeliveredThe drive and inverter have been delivered. The drive, transmission and plans have been sent to the machinist for construction of the adapter plate.
Sept 2004 - Adapter Plate DesignThe first drafts of the adapter plate have been developed. See Adapter Plate for more details.
August 2004 - Drive System SelectedNumerous different AC and DC drive systems have been evaluated and compared against requirements and design constraints. A 30kW Siemens AC drive from Metric Mind Engineering has been purchased. AC was selected as it supports higher voltages, thus being more electrically efficient; a larger torque curve, allowing the removal of the clutch; and tend to have better quality equipment available. The Siemens product was selected as it is of very high quality and fits well with the constraints of the New Beetle. July 2004 - Donor Car SelectedAfter looking at a wide range of cars, from S-10 Pickups to Geo Metros, it has been decided to use a Volkswagen New Beetle. Although the New Beetle is not the lightest car for its size, its distinctive new styling and mass appeal is quite desirable as a prototype/demonstration vehicle. AcknowledgementsI would personally like to thank the following people for their help with this project:
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