"The New Guy" Tesla Powered Caddy

[Sjworks]

Hello everyone,

I have spent the last few weeks scrolling through the forum to help build my knowledge on building an EV.
My plan is to install a Tesla LDU into a mk1 VW Caddy, after my research I am happy with how I plan to control the drive unit and have since purchased the logic control boards from the forums shop.

I'm not a total novice when it comes to conversions as you can see from my previous project here www.facebook.com/sjworkss where I converted a caddy to 4wd but when it comes to the ins and outs of an electric vehicle I'm a total beginner so here it goes.....

I'm looking to achieve some serious acceleration with a range of around 80-100 miles of some spirited driving.
My questions are:
1) Are my goals feasible?
2) How much should I expect to pay for a Tesla LDU (UK)?
3) Batteries, which should I be looking out for? How many do I need?

Chargers and DC-DC converters I will ask advice on when the time comes, This will be a slow burning project, but I will be sure to start a project thread to keep you all updated on the progress.

Thanks, Simon

[Boxster EV]

Welcome to the forum. MK1 Caddy would be epic.

1) The LDU will give you more power and torque than you'll ever need or the car can cope with (and you wont need to change gear ).
2) I ended up purchasing several drive units back in 2019 and could buy them on ebay for anything between £2200 to £3500. The issue you have is that you wont know if they're any good until you try, so buy with a returns policy (ebay usually has one if paying by paypal). Mine all came from breakers in Lithuania. Try and get one with the HV cables attached as these are expensive to acquire separately.
3) The trouble with the large drive unit is that it'll need batteries that can amp discharge at a high rate if you want to experience full power. The issue is that there aren't many commonly available packs that can do this and provide the desired range. That's unless you go for a full Te$la pack which might work in a Caddy.

I was getting about 45-50 miles range with one Chevy Volt pack in my Boxtster (1220kg).

@driftmotouk on Instagram has several LDU in stock. Might be worth messaging him for a price. He's got a late one with super low mileage which should give you more chance of it being problem free.

[Sjworks]

Hey Boxster EV

Thank you for your reply
It's good to know that the tesla motors pack a punch!

Thank you for some helpful information regarding the pricing of the LDU’s, I will keep this in mind when looking around.
At the moment I’m in no rush to accumulate all the necessary parts for the build as I've still got some repairs to carry out on the shell, hopefully I can hold out for some good deals.

I can only assume a full tesla pack is quite expensive?
How much should I set aside for the batteries themselves and also which batteries are compatible with the tesla motors demands disregarding range at this moment?

Could Chevy Volt batteries work for me if I was to get some extra ones?

I assume my final weight with driver will be similar to yourself. Maybe 1100kg ish as my last caddy project weighed in at around 1100kg if I remember correctly, that was with a 1.8 20v engine and 4wd running gear.

I've added @driftmotouk to my follow list so I will keep an eye on them. Are they UK based?

[Boxster EV]

An 85kwh Tesla pack with sensible miles will be from £10k+ upwards. Makes cost of the build get a bit silly.

Chevy Volt packs are around £2k but they’re only 16kwh.

Driftmoto is based near Brands Hatch. He also has a Tesla pack in stock.

If you set a thread up in the project section, you’ll get plenty of folk help you with advice along the way.

Looking at your IG, I know where to come for decent shoes.

[Sjworks]

Wow £10k! I feel that’s way to much money to sink into an old caddy truck.

Maybe I will go with the Chevy Volt packs to get me started

Yes once I get going and have accumulated some of the components I will start up a thread.

Yes re shoes!! We can look after you

[Sjworks]

Ok, so I'm one small step closer to a tesla powered caddy!! amid a very small step but none the less, it's in the right direction.

I have purchased a caddy shell to begin my project, the initial plan is to get the caddy rust free and then begin to start the conversion process.

https://www.facebook.com/21627806849965 ... 39539/?d=n