Volkswagen Unveils ‘E-Bulli’ Electric Microbus
The electrified take on the iconic hippie van is available now.
Volkswagen has unveiled a concept Microbus that follows other electrified versions of the German automaker’s iconic vehicles, including the ID Beach Buggy and ID Buzz Cargo.
What’s different is that the E-Bulli—the name is a reference to the Germans’ nickname for the VW van—is available to purchase via eClassics as a conversion kit.
Autoblog reports that the donor van pictured here was sourced from California before its four-cylinder boxer engine was swapped for a rear-mounted, 82-horsepower electric motor that produces 156 pound-feet of torque. Like many other EVs, the E-Bulli has a one-speed transmission.
A 45 kWh battery pack stowed beneath the floorboard has a 124-mile range, which is admittedly not far in comparison to retro electric rides like Zero Labs’ Ford Bronco. A recharge to 80 percent takes 40-minutes. Other new core components include a multi-link suspension, adjustable shocks, rack-and-pinion steering system, and four-wheel disc brakes.
Designers didn’t mess with the Microbus’ classic look, but did update old lighting fixtures with LED bulbs, an “Energetic Orange Metallic” paint coat with creamy “Golden Sand Metallic Matte” accents, new seats, a modern gear shifter, and floorboards that are meant to simulate the look of a ship’s deck.
The E-Bulli conversion kit runs for about $70,000, not including the cost of a T1 donor bus. Visit the German company’s website for more details.
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