According to the manufacturer, the project will receive a commercial continuation, and through the partner company eClassics, conversion kits for turning minibuses into electric cars and ready-made vehicles will be sold to private customers.
The work on the e-Bulli restomod, which in its previous life was a T1 Samba Bus and spent the last half century on the roads of California, was entrusted to a group of specialists from the Volkswagen Group Components division and eClassics. They started with a complete replacement of the chassis. The van now has independent suspension front and rear, adjustable shock absorbers, ventilated brakes, and a new rack-and-pinion steering. Then came the powertrain.
The rear-mounted four-cylinder boxer engine with 44 hp (102 Nm) gave way to an 83-hp electric motor (212 Nm) connected to the rear axle via a single-speed reduction gear. The power source is a traction battery with a usable capacity of 45 kilowatt-hours. Without recharging, the e-Bulli travels 200 kilometers. The battery can be charged both from an AC terminal with a power of 2.3 to 22 kilowatts, and from fast 50-kilowatt stations. In the latter case, filling the battery to 80 percent will take 40 minutes.
The restomod's body is painted in a combination of two colors: orange Energetic Orange Metallic and golden Golden Sand Metallic. The van received round LED headlights and a completely new interior. Along its entire length, a wooden floor is laid, like on a yacht, the classic speedometer has acquired a small display that shows data on the range and battery charge level, and a transmission lever with manual selection of the energy recovery level has appeared between the seats. The two-tone leather upholstery in Saint Tropez/Saffrano Orange and the folding roof evoke thoughts of a leisurely stroll along the sea coast.
For those who have long been waiting for the opportunity to convert their Volkswagen T1 to electric power, the company will offer a conversion program. A full package with chassis modification will cost at least 64,900 euros. In addition, dealers can order the necessary components for self-installation.
