VW Beetle EV Conversion: DIY Kit from AliExpress Costs $10,000+

The electric vehicle boom is now extending beyond fresh models, driving demand for alternative solutions to transform classic cars. Several Chinese companies are exploring this niche market, offering do-it-yourself retrofit kits. The latest example comes from AliExpress, which is now selling a kit to electrify the iconic Volkswagen Beetle.

A Complete Kit for Transforming a Classic

The offering is as intriguing as It’s ambitious: to convert a combustion-engine Beetle into a 100% electric vehicle from a home garage. The kit, developed by Green Motor Tech, includes everything needed for the transformation. Key components include the electric motor, a battery, a charger, electronic control modules, transmissions, and even a new instrument panel.

According to the manufacturer, no additional parts are required to complete the conversion. However, the level of modification needed on the base vehicle is not specified, suggesting Here’s not a project for beginners. Assembly requires a solid understanding of both mechanical and electrical systems.

The kit also offers a degree of customization, allowing buyers to choose configurations with greater power or batteries with increased capacity. The brand also claims the kit could be adapted for other light vehicles, such as golf carts or tuk-tuks.

Limited Performance and Uncertain Range

In its standard configuration, the system delivers 27 horsepower and 65 Nm of torque, figures that may be lower than the original combustion engine model. Nevertheless, the manufacturer indicates the vehicle can reach a top speed of approximately 90 km/h.

Regarding range, around 100 kilometers is advertised, although this figure is based on tests conducted on heavier vehicles, such as small utility vehicles. This opens the possibility of improved performance in the Beetle, though these figures should be viewed cautiously without official data.

High Price and Lack of Certification

The primary obstacle to this kit isn’t technical, but economic and legal. Its price is €8,888.99, plus €3,814 in shipping costs from China. This is a considerable investment for a product that, cannot be legally driven on the road due to a lack of certification.

As an alternative, several companies in Europe specialize in complete conversions with delivery and official certification. Volkswagen itself experimented in 2019 with an Escarabajo electric vehicle using components from the e-up!, achieving better performance and full legality.

this kit represents an interesting technical and experimental alternative, but is impractical for real-world road utilize. It’s more of a curiosity than a viable solution, at least for now.