Michigan College Converts 1974 VW Thing to Electric

A lime green relic from 1974 is about to become one of the coolest teaching tools in Michigan.

Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor is converting a classic Volkswagen Thing into a fully electric vehicle. It's the automotive program's first EV conversion project, and when it debuts at next year's Detroit Auto Show, it'll turn heads for all the right reasons.

The Thing was never meant to be a beauty queen. Originally designed as a military vehicle, it became a cult favorite as a no-frills beach car in the 1970s. This particular model came from an elderly couple in the Port Huron area for about $7,500.

Now students like Dave Firth are breathing new life into it. The 37-year-old freelance artist chose hands-on learning over keyboard work, spending his days soldering wiring harnesses and solving real-world problems. He loves the idea of saving a classic car that might otherwise rust away in a barn.

The transformed Thing will pack twice the punch of its gas-guzzling predecessor, jumping from 50 to 100 horsepower. Drivers can expect about 90 miles per charge, and the manual transmission stays put with a twist: just shift into gear and go, no clutch-dancing required.

Tim VanSchoick, who teaches welding and automotive programs, calls it a "proof of concept" to showcase what's possible. The project launched alongside the college's new electric vehicle lab that opened in 2025. He's quick to point out that EV conversions aren't about saving money, they typically cost at least $50,000 for cars in great shape. This project, with extensive bodywork, new suspension, and heated seats, will run closer to $100,000.

Why This Inspires

This project represents more than just one quirky car getting a modern makeover. Students are learning skills that will define the automotive industry's future while honoring the past. The finished vehicle will visit local high schools and community events, painted in Mahi Green and Candy White to match the college's 2025 VW ID. Buzz. It's hands-on education that combines nostalgia with innovation, showing young people that sustainable technology doesn't mean abandoning the classics we love.

Instructor Andrew Hueter promises the converted Thing will keep its "old-school feel" while proving that vintage vehicles can have a zero-emissions future.