Wanting to buy a Trabant 1.1 and convert it into a EV. (lemmy.dbzer0.com)

submitted 3 months ago by Hansae@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/cars@lemmy.world

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I'm wondering if this is a completely stupid idea, I've done some research already about where to put the batteries (can likely be wired up in the boot with motor in the front, or potentially have a bank under the bonnet in lieu of where the fuel tank would live anyways) but I am somewhat worried about the weight.... however I suppose given modern batteries it should be just about doable.

Would be a fairly cheap project anyways, the actual car can be bought on the cheap as barely anyone wants Trabi 1.1's for some reason & second hand batteries are always a possibility. Might even try and find a regular Trabi with a blown engine (as often happened) as they often go for nothing.

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[-] jqubed@lemmy.world 3 points 3 months ago

I guess the concern on the weight is the frame itself? I would assume you should be able to upgrade the suspension and brakes to handle the weight, but if the frame itself can’t handle the weight those others don’t matter.

[-] Hansae@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 3 months ago

Yeah thats the main worry, Trabis have a fairly puny steel frame with duraplast panels bolted on, I think in theory it should be fine though even if the range on it isn't great.

this post was submitted on 05 May 2025

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