It was probably only a matter of time before Alexander Hagen (41) from northern Germany had to turn to an EV conversion: On the one hand, being an IT Infrastructure Engineer by profession he knows a thing or two about software and electronics. On the other hand, as he builds quadrocopters for his hobby “Drone Racing” by himself he has demonstrated that he is looking for and can master challenges.
Like his drones, his converted 1983 VW Derby certainly is unique. The components and performance data speak for themselves:
• Electric motor: 300 kW Small Rear Drive Unit (SRDU) from a Tesla Model 3, limited to 65 kW, control led by propriety firmware.
• Torque: 400 Nm
• Battery: 5 CATL Powerblocks, 41 kWh usable capacity
• Range: approx. 217 miles
• Top speed: 100 miles/h limited by firmware
• Charging: 10 kW
The VW Derby is a two-door fastback sedan. It was built from 1977 to 1984 and advertised by VW as an ideal car for “basic mobility”. The stronger of the two motors offered 60 HP (44 kW). In this respect, the jump to 65 kW and a torque of 400 Nm was considerable.
One of the biggest challenges in the project was to ensure that the power is actually transferred to the drive shafts and not on the body. Alex has achieved that.
He not only replaced both axles and installed strut bars, but also installed a front axle support frame and an adjustable suspension.
Despite his knowledge in mechanics and electronics, he implemented his project with the consultant and component supplier Nils Iwahn (e-Drive-solution.de). “It was important to be able to fall back on the experience of Nils and his network,” says Alex, who restored and rebuilt his VW Derby over two years in around 2000 hours of his spare time.
The vehicle has been on the road since September 2023. Since then, Alex has been a regular participant in classic car rallies and e-mobility events. “I just want to show others what one can achieve with a 40-year-old car,” he says, “and of course I want to have fun with the converted car.” With costs for components and other material of more than 50,000 euros, one thing is obvious: The VW Derby, which was stored in a barn for more than 10 years, was not brought back to a new life for occasional trips only, but to use it as a daily ride.
Alex is convinced that you have to show EV conversions to the public as often as possible. This is the only way to bring the topic from the niche into the mainstream – so that more people start their own “hero” project – either by their own or with the help of professionals.
