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No, it’s not the original ‘Herbie the Love Bug’, but rather the new and improved ‘Herbie the Sun Bug’ (California License Plate HRB EE1). Yes, HRB EE1 is an all electric 1970 VW converted to run on batteries (direct current-DC) charged up by plugging into the electric grid at 110 volts or directly by use of photovoltaic solar modules. This amazingly versatile VW conversion was conceived, designed and built by entrepreneur and businessman Dan Felperin (a.k.a. Dan the Solar Man). He was assisted in the effort by local inventor, engineer and electric vehicle (EV) expert, Robert Lange (Snake Ranch, CA). HRB EE1 is painted electric green (somewhere between metallic emerald and jade) and has the custom California body package (one-piece windows and the like).  

He is motored up with 8-12V (140Ah) sealed, absorbed glass mat (AGM) lead acid batteries wired in series and connected through an amperage controller and kill switch to an 8-inch DC motor. There is a cable linkage between the “gas” pedal and an electronic actuator which serves as a surrogate ‘throttle’ when the linkage is shortened by depressing on the pedal. This pedal action generally allows more amps to flow from the batteries to the motor windings thereby increasing torque and overall speed (acceleration). There is also a transmission ‘adaptor’ which allows the stock transmission to be coupled directly with the existing clutch plates and DC motor shaft.

This one-of-a-kind EV has been extensively field tested in the Cobb Mountain area and has performed remarkably well. It has consistently demonstrated over thirty-mile range up and down Cobb. It also appears to be able to get over 40 miles per charge driving on flat (and/or downhill) terrain. The less amperage drawn from the batteries (conserving charge), the more distance one may travel. “The car handles somewhat like a supped up go-cart with top end speed around 70 mph in fourth gear on a full charge”, says Felperin. “It also has the feel like you’re driving around with two football players sitting in the back!”. But instead of real football players there are six of the eight 12V batteries as well as a dc-dc converter to run the car’s internal electrical system and no back seat! “Yes we do have lights, wipers, flashers, brake lights and front disc brakes, explains Felperin. “We have also added heavy duty spring shocks all the way around to improve the handling and overall quality of the ride”. Battery technology is the key to going farther, faster with shorter charging times. HRB EE1 is already scalable to lithium batteries when that technology becomes more available and affordable. “The AGM batteries we use are recyclable so that the environment is spared some, says Felperin. “These AGM batteries are divided into two, 48-Volt “halves”. Each halve may be “plugged in” separately to a standard 48VDC/110VAC charger- (15A circuit); or both halves plugged simultaneously into a 20A duplex receptacle.

“I have recently been able to circumnavigate Clearlake-approximately 70 miles round trip around the Konocti puddle”, exclaims Dan the Solar Man. (Note: It is true that the Herbster needed several charging stops along the way to complete this noteworthy accomplishment). “These DC conversions can be very practical and affordable for those people who have short work commutes (less than 20 miles) and could also save big time on gasoline and/or diesel through out the year. The real trick will be having enough charging stations to accommodate the rapidly increasing number of plug in vehicles”.

Dan may be reached for comments or additional information at 707-928-5865; or dan@fresh-energy-systems.com.