\X/ project: Syncro Cabrio EV Citystromer conversion/build
Background information:
The Golf Mk3 Citystromer was a limited run of approx 200 cars built from 1995 to 1998 model year (rarer than the Harlequin). I have 3 of them, my brother a 4th. Those 4 cars represent 2% of all Mk3 Citystromers ever made.
They were taken off the assembly line in germany and sent to Siemens (in Holland?) for final drivetrain assembly. The drivetrain consists of a 22kw a/c motor, a Simovert inverter, and 16 x 6v, 160ah gel batteries. The front battery box is bolted above the motor up front, and the rear battery box is welded into the trunk floor instead of the tire recess and floor.
I bought the first one in 2008, and I love it! Still going strong, albeit with new batteries. I upgraded to lithium batteries and, using a vintage 486 computer, linked up with the inverter and increased the available power output considerably. It’s not a VR6, but it seems faster than a diesel Golf mk3

HP is not my main concern, but a quiet, vibration free ride is.
Here we go:
I am currently in Norway where I have the 3 Citystromers, and two 1.8L Syncro cars. I'm coming back to the States this winter and would like to continue driving my electric cars in the States as well. Unfortunately, I can’t import the cars due to them not having been imported and certified when they were new. (the battery versions). I could go to a car import company, but it could cost $60 grand to get plates on it. I also kind of want to have awd. So, .......
My plan:
Disassemble two Golf Syncros right away
Disassemble two Golf Citystromers right away
Mate electric motor from Citystromer to the awd gearbox
Modify front and rear battery boxes to fit over/behind the Syncro gearbox and rear diff
Disassemble third Citystromer just before moving
Pack everything in container and ship to Minnesota
Once in MN, buy a Mk3
Convert to EV with Syncro
Enjoy
Repeat last 3 steps until I have used up all the parts.
Now, I do think it’s a shame to destroy 3 original rare cars, but they will live on in the conversions I do. Almost all the parts that can be unbolted, and all parts that are different from the gas versions are taken off to be installed in the conversions.
Here is what I am starting with, note the plates. Here in Norway all EV cars get the EL (electric) plates: