Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this car a hybrid?
A: No, a hybrid is nothing more than a fuel-efficient vehicle that is dependant upon fossil fuels. Our cars are 100% electric, with no gasoline engine.

Q: How much does it cost to drive the vehicle?
A: It can vary slightly depending on your utility rates, but based on $0.12 per kilowatt hour, the cost is about $0.02 per mile

Q: Does the onboard charger have any special power requirements?
A: No, the onboard charger is designed to work with any standard 120-volt outlet.

Q: Do I need a special battery charger?
A: A separate battery charger is recommended only if you drive 50 or more miles per day. A separate charger is required for the optional extended range battery pack.

Q: What is the expected life of the battery pack?
A: With daily use the battery pack should last 2-5 years before any noticeable drop in performance.

Q: Can my batteries be recycled when they reach the end of their life?
A: Yes, our batteries are manufactured from 50% recycled materials, and the old ones must be turned in when purchasing new ones.

Q: Are the batteries expensive or difficult to obtain?
A: No, when purchased through ECOS or an authorized distributor, the cost of the batteries is less than $100 each (12 to 20 are required depending upon your vehicle’s configuration). If no distributor is available in your area, most battery shops will have an equivalent replacement at a reasonable price.

Q: Do the batteries produce toxic fumes?
A: No, the batteries may emit a small amount of hydrogen gas at the end of the charging cycle, and hydrogen is perfectly safe to breathe and for the environment. In high concentrations hydrogen can be flammable however; so it is recommended to keep the vehicle away from sparks or open flames while charging indoors. Complete safety information is available in the operator manual included with the vehicle.

Q: Does this hydrogen gas cause a problem in the car?
A: No, the vehicle is equipped with a ventilation system to prevent hydrogen from building up in the car.

Q: Will the car operate on an extremely cold (or hot) day?
A: Our batteries love warm weather; in fact, you may notice an increase in performance on extremely hot days. In cold weather, it is recommended to store the vehicle in an enclosed garage. If no indoor storage is available, the car can be equipped with optional battery heaters to prevent a decrease in performance.

Q: What is the top speed and range?
A: It varies with vehicle configuration, but for example a 96v system has a top speed of 60mph and a maximum range of 50 miles on a single charge. With opportunity charging, a daily range of 80 miles can be achieved. With the optional extended range battery pack, the top speed is over 70mph and the range can be extended to 100 miles per day.

Q: What is “opportunity charging”?
A: Opportunity charging (or convenience charging) is the ability to plug in and charge the vehicle whenever it is parked (i.e., plugging it at work, school, etc.) Our optional onboard charger makes this possible.

Q: Can the car be upgraded to lithium batteries?
A: Our system has been designed to be compatible with all types of batteries currently available, as well as with future technologies as they become available. In addition to traditional lead-acid cells, we also offer lithium-based batteries as an option.

Q: What is the solar panel visible in the rear window for? Does it charge the batteries?
A: The solar panel assists with keeping the vehicle’s 12-volt accessory battery charged and is a standard feature on all our cars and conversions.

Q: How long does it take to charge the battery pack?
A: With our onboard charger, a 72V or 96V will charge overnight.

Q: What is “Eco-miling?”
A: Eco-miling is a conservative style of driving that maximizes the range of an EV. Eco-miling consists of avoiding “jack-rabbit” starts, coasting on down-hill grades, obeying all traffic laws (especially posted speed limits), and choosing a route that avoids excessive stops and uphill grades. The best range is achieved when the average speed is below 45mph. Eco-miling can increase the range of an EV by up to 20%!

Q: Is this car a NEV (neighborhood electric vehicle)?
A: No, unlike a NEV (which is basically just a golf cart), our cars are real Volkswagens. They do not fall under special rules or license. They can go anywhere on any road.

Q: Since this is not a traditional automobile, will I encounter any problems with title, registration, or insurance?
A: No, our cars are titled and registered as Volkswagens. Insurance isn’t an issue either; however, a declared value should be stated in your policy when carrying full-coverage insurance on the vehicle.

Q: Since this is a vintage vehicle, are parts difficult to obtain?
A: One of the many reasons we chose the VW as a platform for our EV conversion was the availability of parts. Most of the body, mechanical, and electrical parts are all currently available through local auto parts stores and online suppliers. All other parts are available through us.

Q: Do vintage automobiles like the Volkswagen retain their value?
A: Unlike newer vehicles, which decrease dramatically in resale value each year, the price for vintage Volkswagens increases every year, which is another reason we chose them for conversion. They are a good investment!

Q: What is the seating capacity of the vehicle?
A: The car will seat up to five people (three people with the optional extended-range battery pack installed).

Q: What does driving your EV compare to?
A: In performance, our cars can be compared to driving a 4-cylinder automatic economy car (only without the noise and vibration, our cars are very smooth and quiet). Because of the upgraded heavy-duty suspension, the car has a firmer feel to it than a traditional vehicle.

Q: Does the car have an automatic or manual transmission?
A: Our motor is coupled to the stock 4-speed manual transmission; however, there is no clutch and shifting is normally not necessary. In town, 2nd gear is used, and on the highway, 3rd

Q: Does the car require any special maintenance?
A: The maintenance for an EV is much simpler than that of a traditional car. There are no oil changes, no tune-ups, no mufflers, no radiator, etc. The electric motor has a service interval of 80,000 miles; the transmission fluid should be changed about every 40,000 miles. The battery pack will occasionally require water (with daily driving about every other month). Of course, as with any automobile, the vehicle has things like tires, brakes, shocks, etc. that should be replaced as necessary.

Q: Will I score big with the ladies (or dudes) if I buy one of your cars?
A: Probably, but that isn’t guaranteed or covered under our warranty.

Q: What is and isn’t covered under your warranty?
A: On our conversions, all parts we install, both mechanical and electrical are covered for two years. On our turnkey vehicles, the entire vehicle is warranted for two years. Exceptions to our warranty are cosmetic wear and normal wear items (i.e. tires, brake pads).

Q: What about technical assistance and warranty work if I have a problem?
A: Should the vehicle ever need service or repair (whether under warranty or not), any auto repair facility or capable mechanic should be able to service the car. Included with each car is an operator and service manual, which covers the use and care of the vehicle, as well as wiring diagrams and technical reference material for your mechanic. All parts are readily available, and no special parts or tools are required. If necessary, we will consult with your mechanic to assist with troubleshooting and repair of your vehicle.

Q: What are the benefits of an electric car?
A: Electric vehicles are silent, emit no pollution, require much less maintenance than a traditional car, and by far achieve the best fuel economy. They also eliminate dependence on fossil fuels, and you can drive in carpool lanes!

Q: I like red, but I’d really love one in blue. Is that possible?
A: Each car we restore is custom built to our customer’s specifications, including the paint color as well as other options.

Q: Can I visit your facility for a tour and test drive?
A: Yes, please call us at (417) 522-8934 or email us at info@ecosmotors with your contact information to schedule a visit and test drive.

Q: I already have a Volkswagen; can you convert it for me?
A: Yes, we offer turnkey vehicles as well conversions of customer-supplied cars.

Q: Other than Volkswagen and Porsche, do you convert other vehicles?
A: We may offer more conversions in the future, but at this time we are concentrating on Volkswagen and Porsche.

Q: What is done with the spare parts that are not used in the EV conversion process?
A: Parts removed from the vehicle that are no longer useable are recycled. Parts that are still good but not necessary for the conversion are donated to local VW clubs and enthusiasts.

Q: How soon can I get one?
A: Our conversion to your existing automobile requires only one week in the shop. For our turnkey vehicles, about 4 weeks is necessary; however the actual delivery time can vary depending upon our current waiting list. Please call or email for an estimated delivery time.

Q: I live in California, you are in Missouri, how do I get my car from you?
A: We work with several auto transport companies and will assist in delivery of your vehicle.

Q: I live overseas, can I still get one of your cars?
A: Yes, we ship our vehicles worldwide.

Q: Do you offer the conversion components so I can build one myself?
A: If you're a handy person with general vehicle repair experience and have a basic understanding of DC circuits, check out our Online Store. We carry everything you need to do it yourself.

Q: How much will it cost to do it myself?
A: A basic quality conversion will start at about $4000 plus the cost of batteries if you do it yourself.

Do you have a question for us? Please email us at info@ecosmotors and will add it to the FAQ.