Why?

Why build an electric car?  I want to build an electric car mainly to prove to myself that I can do it.  I’m not out to save the planet, although I don’t like the idea of spending $ on oil that get sent off to people to want to destroy our country.  I also want to show other people that an electric car can be practical as a daily driver in Cedar Rapids, IA.  For more information on Electric Vehicles I recommend Jack and Brian’s EVTV videos at: EVTV

Why not by a Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf or Tesla?   First, the Volt is not an electric car.  You don’t have to put gas in an electric car but the Volt will not run without gas in the tank.  The Volt and Leaf are both a little to econ-o-box for my liking.  The original Tesla roadster is a little smaller than I would like and it is kind of high dollar for a hobby.  I really like the Tesla model S and I think it is going to be a great car and may even turn the public perception of how practical an electric car can be.  That said I’m looking for a hobby to give me something to tinker with.

Why convert a 2000 Audi TT?  I’m decided on the Audi TT because I like the car, I didn’t want to put a lot of money and effort into a car that I really didn’t like.  It is small, light and is reasonably efficient.   The back seat is useless with a normal size person in the front seat there is no room for feet on the floor and the slop of the roof does not provide head room for anyone over 5’4” tall.  So this space can be used for a battery pack.   I chose a non-quarto TT for simplicity, basically the FWD TT is the same drive train as the “new” VW Beetle so conversion parts such as adaptor should be easier to come by without custom machining. 

Why start a Blog about the project?  I have never done a Blog so kind of a learning experience and I wanted to let family and friends know what I was doing.  I also wanted to show the process in the event that anyone is thinking about converting and Audi TT, maybe they can learn from my mistakes and made a better one than I could.