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Alaskan teen builds eco-car to combat global warming

Alaska's Bart Grabman hopes his electric VW Bug will help minimize his carbon tire print.
Mon, Aug 17 2009 at 8:00 AM EST
9 Comments

Photo: Bart Grabman/evalbum
As a teenager living in Alaska and an avid skier, Bart Grabman knows all about snow. And he could see first hand that global warming meant less snow and an earlier spring … in other words … terrible conditions for skiing. What Bart didn’t know much about was cars, but that didn’t stop him from taking on a project to convert a gasoline-powered car to electric, reducing his overall contribution to the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. Here’s what Bart had to say about his electric Volkswagen Super Beetle.
 
MNN: What inspired you to build an electric car?
Bart Grabman: I was taking a class at school called Passages, and the purpose of the class was to take something that you’re interested in and expand on it in some way. For instance, in the past, one student who had an interest in carpentry built a gazebo for students to enjoy during lunch. I had two interests that I wanted to expand upon. I wanted to do something to help the environment, and I wanted to learn more about cars. So I thought it would be interesting to combine the two ideas into one project. Building an electric car just seemed like a logical next step.
 
Is the car finished?
I haven’t finished it yet, but it’s pretty close. It still needs some minor wiring … I have 96 volts of car batteries to power it and I still need to wire this to the existing wiring that came with the car so that everything functions correctly. I’ve taken out for short trips in front of my house, but it’s not ready for longer trips yet.
 
How much did you know about cars before you started this project?
I pretty much knew nothing about automotive technology when I started this project. But I’ve done a lot of learning. One good thing is that I choose a VW Super Beetle over a more modern, complex car. This has been really helpful because it’s relatively simple in terms of the mechanisms and the motor. The VW Super Beetle is pretty basic so it was a good place to start … especially with my lack of knowledge.
 
If you were to start this project again knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?
I would have started with a different car. I know I said before that it was a good idea to start with a car that is simple. But the one that I got … well, it had seen better days. The floors were rusted out and the interior wasn’t it good shape. I’ve had to spend a lot of time working on those types of things. I think if I’d chosen a better car to begin with, it would have been easier going.
 
What would you say has been your biggest obstacle in completing this project?
Time and money. I’m a high school student, and I have a lot of stuff going on, so I don’t have a lot of time or money to spare. But there have been a lot of people who have helped me out on this project in some way or another. So I’ve never had any trouble getting things done when I do actually work on them. But just finding that time is one of the hardest things.
 
What is the environmental issue that concerns you the most?
I’d have to say global warming. Being from Alaska, where more than half the year here is snow, I’ve noticed more recently a decline in the snow levels. Springs are earlier and we have record-breaking fires in the state every year because its drier and the warmer temperatures bring more pests that kill the trees. Global warming is very evident here.
 
What advice do you have for other teenagers who are looking to try a project like this?
Find something that you’re interested in and don’t be discouraged by setbacks because there will of course always be some setbacks … if not many. But the results will definitely outweigh the troubles. As long as you follow through, it’s going to be a very rewarding experience when you’re finished.
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    Taking little steps every day

    Posted By Helen - Tue, Apr 20 2010 at 12:15 PM EST

    As frightening as global warming is, it’s empowering to know that each one of us has the power to make a difference. The more of us join in and do our part, the sooner we can save our Earth.
    Taking little steps every day can reduce of global warming. Recycling is one of the easiest methods of doing your part to help the environment, and it’s also one of the must fun as it lends itself to immense creativity..... More

    W?

    Posted By Bill - Fri, Mar 05 2010 at 10:15 PM EST

    Seriously.. Global Warming people get more and more stupid as time goes... "Global Warming"? The earth is cooling... What? You say the warming is causing that? Would you believe the cooling and warming happens naturally? Seriously... Psychotic liberal whack jobs...

    Nice job!

    Posted By Mike - Tue, Nov 17 2009 at 11:49 AM EST

    Good for you! I am glad at least some people are taking charge and going in the right direction! I'll take 1 Plz...

    -Mike
    watch shows online

    ...

    Posted By Anonymous - Tue, Nov 03 2009 at 10:04 AM EST

    Whoop. Dee. ********. Do.

    Better Coming Soon

    Posted By Uncle B - Sun, Aug 23 2009 at 8:24 AM EST

    The world needs a carbon fiber, ultra light, made in China to be cheap, Two seater, tandem style, car body with electric, plug in propulsion! They must be very dangerous, fast as hell, cheap as spit to buy, a poor man's commuter, possibly three wheeled to get under the "Motorcycle" licensing and insurance umbrella, sparce, and plain, but practical transportation for all! Complete re-buildability and absolute necessity, and with "Back yard" tools! Totally recyclable, on color, one model only! A.... More

    Teen

    Posted By Orangy - Thu, Aug 20 2009 at 5:18 AM EST

    Nice Blog. Your Writing Skills are too good and your Views are Awesome. You also Have To Join Teen Blog ! And should have to Written for this Blog. Lots of Teenager from all around world share their views here..
    Orangy - The Sweet Sour Tangy Taste of Life

    VOLKSWAGEN..

    Posted By Gracie A. - Tue, Aug 18 2009 at 7:06 AM EST

    Enter your comments hereIt so nice to see young people doing things for a genuine purpose. This will help the environment and people to have a better life in the future.A lot of squawking it going to continue over the health care debate, and it appears that nothing, Reality Check testimonials from White House officials, reading the bill itself, or cheap loans, will make the conspiracy theorists pipe down. .... More

    Is that a 1964 VW bug....

    Posted By Pamela Drake - Mon, Aug 17 2009 at 3:23 PM EST

    ....because my very first car was a red 64 bug....brought from my older sister's boyfriend at the time...it was already a million years ago...brought it for $400. Cash. I loved that car! And have often wondered where it ended up...I would love it if it found its way to Alaska

    Bug

    Posted By Rattz - Wed, Aug 19 2009 at 5:04 PM EST

    So sorry Gracie that bug is way into the 70's, with indented headlights and deep moulded hood panels plus many more unseen differences. Keep dreaming my lovely you may one day see another red Bug!

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    About Jenn Savedge

    Green parenting author on raising eco-friendly kids.

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