The video documents a team's attempt to convert a classic Volkswagen Beetle into an electric vehicle within a day. The team faces several challenges, including a problem with the electric motor not fitting due to a wrong-year gearbox mount. After resolving the issue, they successfully install the motor and battery, but encounter another problem with commissioning the sensor. They eventually resolve the issue after a phone call to a supplier in the US. After completing the conversion, the team takes the electric Beetle for a test drive, noting its improved performance, handling, and zero emissions. The car's new owner will also receive free charging for a year, courtesy of Octopus Energy. The team reflects on the environmental benefits of converting classic cars to electric, reducing their carbon footprint and giving them a new lease on life.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The team aimed to convert a Volkswagen Beetle from petrol to electric in a day.
2. The team usually takes weeks to convert a classic car to electric.
3. The team encountered their first major problem when the electric motor wouldn't fit due to the clutch fouling the bell housing.
4. The team lost two to three hours resolving the issue.
5. The team had to grind away a small piece of metal to give the motor more clearance.
6. The team used a pallet truck to lift the engine out of the car.
7. The team installed a 25 kilowatt-hour battery pack in the car.
8. The car's new motor has 120 horsepower, compared to the original 40 horsepower engine.
9. The car has regenerative braking, which puts energy back into the battery when going downhill.
10. The team encountered issues with the controller and had to upgrade the firmware and reprogram it.
11. The team had to commission the sensor in the motor, which initially failed but eventually succeeded.
12. The car was converted in a day, with the team finishing at 11 o'clock.
13. The electric Beetle has zero emissions and can be charged using renewable energy.
14. The winner of the Beetle will be able to charge it for free at home with Octopus Energy for a year.