I want to like the VW Scout, but it's so big compared to IH Scouts.

You don't take on projects like this because you're on a mission to make the most efficient vehicle. Lots of people are paid good money to do that and produce the slip-slugs we have today.

A project like this is to have a fun experience in a vehicle that was never designed to drive with electric qualities. I don't need the most efficient vehicle for my use so I could afford to trade some of that for fun. I'd probably try a Subaru Impreza STi because it would just be a blast to have a car of that size and stature with an electric powerplant under the hood (or trunk, or wherever it fits)

I drive by an old Scout that just sits there and wish I had time to update it. It could be a fin project.

EVs are still far more efficient than any combustion engine per unite of energy. It doesn't have the density of gasoline, but you're paying a lot less per mile driven no matter how boxy it is.

> Retro-electric stuff makes so little sense since it's the worst of all worlds.

old cars are bastards to drive. I have a softspot for a mark 2 VW golf. But its not fast, the steering is heavy and the brakes are utterly shite.

However, if I had the time and money, I would totally electrify a golf. it would be zippy quiet and hilarious to drive, especially without any kind of traction control.

However it would be fun.

Basically its like vinyl. It is a demonstrably worse format than anything digital(and other analogue formats), however it looks great. Sure you get lots of audiophiles waffle on about "warmth" and shit, but its all lies. they either like it because its how they think things should sound, or it looks cool. It is not a purer warmer sound.

same with backyard steam engines. useless but fucking cool

From the article:

> it achieves 258 Wh/mi — roughly matching the efficiency of an actual Model 3.

Okay so its not perfect as far as efficiency, but isn't it still significantly more efficient than whatever gas engine was in it before?