El auto de combustión transformado a eléctrico | Santiago Ochoa | TEDxParque La Carolina

Quick Overview

Santiago Ochoa shares the valuable lessons learned from his three-year project of converting a 1960s Volkswagen Beetle (Escarabajo) 1200 cc from combustion to electric power, emphasizing that the most significant outcome was personal transformation and a change in perspective regarding goals, rather than just the technical success of the vehicle.

Key Points: The speaker converted a 1960s Volkswagen Beetle 1200 cc from gasoline combustion to electric power over a three-year period starting in 2015. The conversion involved replacing the engine with an electric motor, using 12 deep-cycle batteries totaling 72V, and upgrading components like the charger and paintwork. The project cost approximately $21,000, covering parts and services from various workshops, including specialized automotive and electrical shops. A major challenge was the administrative process of homologation (registration) for the converted vehicle, as only the original vehicle owner could apply, not external workshops. The speaker found that the most valuable outcome was not the technical success of the car, but the personal growth and the way the project changed his perspective on achieving goals. He notes that the electric Beetle, despite the challenges, performed well, even in the steep terrain of Quito, although he occasionally needed assistance if the battery charge was insufficient. He now primarily uses a bicycle for daily transportation, highlighting a shift in his personal mobility priorities.

Context: Santiago David Ochoa presents his experience at TEDxParque La Carolina regarding the ambitious personal project of converting a classic 1960s Volkswagen Beetle (Escarabajo 1200 cc) into an electric vehicle. This presentation details the technical challenges, the financial investment, and the surprising personal lessons learned from undertaking such a complex, self-driven engineering endeavor in a regulatory environment not yet fully prepared for such conversions.

Detailed Analysis

Santiago Ochoa recounts his journey starting in 2015 to convert his Volkswagen Beetle 1200 cc to electric power, a process that took three years and cost around $21,000. He initially wanted to change the world but focused on this personal project, viewing the car as an extension of himself. The conversion involved installing an electric motor, 12 deep-cycle batteries providing 72V, and replacing various components like the engine, transmission, and even the paint. He consulted with various specialized workshops for technical execution, including painting and electronics. A significant hurdle was the regulatory process; only the vehicle owner could apply for homologation, not the workshop that performed the conversion. Although the final electric vehicle functioned well—even handling the hilly terrain of Quito—the speaker realized the most profound result was personal growth rather than just the technical achievement. He discovered that the process taught him how to approach goals through iteration and focused effort. Ironically, after completing the project, he now relies more on his bicycle for daily commuting, suggesting a shift in his priorities away from car dependency.