EV Conversion Setup for Volkswagen T3 Syncro (89, 4x4)

Tell us about the project you do with the open inverter
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hk2026
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Joined: Sun Apr 12, 2026 6:47 pm

EV Conversion Setup for Volkswagen T3 Syncro (89, 4x4)

Post by hk2026 »

Hello everyone,
I'm new to this forum and would love to get some feedback to my project idea.

I have a Volkswagen T3 Syncro built 1989, "Bulli" :)
I was thinking about a EV conversion for quite some time and this years it's basically do or die - well, more like "do it or sell the car"

My research ended up in the following plan:
Engine: Nissan Leaf II EM57
Inverter: Nissan ZE1
BMS: Orion 2
Power: 90-110 LF105 Cells (need to measure the exact space under the vehicle first)
VCU: ZombieVerter

I want to keep the 4x4 gear and intend to use a flange / adapter plate to connect the engine to the existing drivetrain (not sure if thats actually what I mean, no native speaker, sorry ;) ). That will most likely be a custom CNC part.

Any feedback wether this setup is hope/full/less is welcome :)

have a great week

Helge
Marvin
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Re: EV Conversion Setup for Volkswagen T3 Syncro (89, 4x4)

Post by Marvin »

Welcome Helge,

First of all cool car! Looks like a sensible choice especially if you want to keep the original gearbox. Based from own experience space is for batteries is really a struggle, especially if you keep the drive shafts. I got curious about the latest video from ESDI on their T2, the clamp mount for the battery box looks like it will fit anything from T1-T4 including my LT.
Leaf stack should allow for an easy implementation as it has been done so many times but are you running into height constraints or do you plan to split the Motor from the Inverter/Charger part?
What is your use case? For me I identified that I really need fast charging because driving a brick wall around needs a lot of energy. But then a T3 is more compact than an LT.
Battery prices are varying so widely it is crazy. I can share a list of a Seller I used. (I assume you are located in Europe) I bought two BMW iX 111kWh batteries for 2350€ delivered last month) Orion is Popular and well document but pricy. + I was not keen of all the cell taps.

does this work as an adapter for the T3 Syncro? https://bratindustries.net/product/niss ... apter-kit/ Bratiude is also on the forum.

complexity comes from using anything others have not done yet, so if you keep it to known components have a workspace ready and just need to fabricate brackets and fit it in the car. Than it is actually quite doable. Lastly the only other Motor I can think of is one of the Lexus Hybrid 4x4 but likely not worth the effort to gain minimum space.

Anyways good luck with your project. And remember label bags are your friend when taking a car apart.

Marvin
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