Converting beetles to electric power

We read in the Monitor a few months ago about an electric car which can be built by using a Volkswagen conversion kit. Could you steer us to the right place? Chris and Carol Cheney Newcastle, Calif.

That's not hard at all. I imagine you're talking about the ubiquitous beetle of which VW sold some 5 million in the US.

There may be a number of companies around which are in the business, but here is one firm you can write to: Electric Passenger Cars and Vans Inc., 7954 Convoy Court, San Diego, Calif. 9211. The phone is (714) 565-6917. I'm told the company has electric conversion kits for many cars.

You can also get in touch with Bradley Automotive at 14414 21st Avenue, North Plymouth, Minn. 55441. The phone: (612) 475-2990. You've probably seen the Bradley GT around which is a chassis-conversion kit.

There are books on the subject, some of which you may be able to find in your public library. You can write to the Electric Vehicle Council, a division of the Edison Electric Institute, 1111 19th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036. Ask for a free copy of the Electric vehicles now on the market.

Within the next few years, industry behemoth General Motors will have an electric car on the road, also. The automaker said a few months ago that it has licked the battery problem and now is on its way.