For a farm run around I'd love an EV version of this with just a small motor and battery. Even a simple golf cart costs more than this these days. A 50kW motor and 25kWh LFP or Sodium battery would be plenty and should allow hitting a very similar price point.
The Chinese manufacturers are definitely promising but it's still an import ordeal for a dubious quality product. For now we're making do with some second hand lead-acid UTVs and planning on doing lithium conversions mostly to get rid of the hassle of watering and maintaining lead-acid. But this market could definitely use some more options from the automotive side. EV converting a small Suzuki 4x4 has been on my mind for a while now. That and an EV converted skid steer would be my ideal duo of farm vehicles. With LFP batteries finally becoming more easily available it may become possible soon.
> EV converting a small Suzuki 4x4 has been on my mind for a while now.
That'd be perfect.
Please share when you do.
I was curious about converting a 80s VW Rabbit/Golf to BEV. Starting with a non-functioning car, my wild guess is ~8k. Assuming a ~10 kWh battery, which should have > 100m range. Way more than I need for dog parks, groceries, errands.
> which should have > 100m range. Way more than I need for dog parks, groceries, errands.
If that's the range you're looking for, very lightly used (under 20k miles and less than 3 years old) Nissan Leafs can be had for around $20k, and comes with CarPlay. It certainly wouldn't be as cool as an 80s Golf EV conversion, but it would also be a lot more comfortable inside ;-)
There are a few on YouTube already if you want to check them out. And for an old Golf that's probably even easier. EVWest and others probably already have a drop in kit for those.
