Far out! Retro Volkswagen e-Bulli Concept is the best thing you'll see all day

Classic bus converted to electric power but loses none of its original appeal

Published: March 22, 2020 10:03 Imran Malik, Assistant Editor

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Volkswagen will be introducing a new electric microbus, known at the moment as the I.D. Buzz which was inspired by the hippie-era original, and that Sixties classic is not being forgotten... Image Credit: Supplied

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And that is because eClassics, a firm specializing in electric car conversions in association with VW is bringing EV power and modern updates to the original Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 buses. This e-Bulli Concept is based on a Samba Bus made in 1966 and it is fabulous! Image Credit: Supplied

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It features 82 horsepower electric motor in place of the 43 horsepower four-cylinder motor in the original T1 Samba Bus. Image Credit: Supplied

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Juice to motor is supplied by a 45 kWh lithium-ion battery while power is sent to the wheels via a single-speed transmission with various modes for regenerative braking assist. Image Credit: Supplied

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eClassics did not just fettle with the drivetrain, they also redesigned the chassis, too. The e-Bulli features multi-link front and rear axles with adjustable coilover struts, a new rack and pinion steering rack, and disc brakes. Image Credit: Supplied

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Top speed is electronically limited to 130kph, up from 105kph on the original model. Image Credit: Supplied

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These 21-window Buses are beautiful (and valuable) vehicles highly desired by collectors, and eClassics made sure this one doesn't lose its retro vibe. Image Credit: Supplied

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The orange-and-white interior blends new and old design elements. Solid wood floors and a panoramic folding roof add visual interest. Image Credit: Supplied

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Its analogue speedometer has a two-digit digital display showing range and charge level. But drivers can also use a smartphone app to check up on key stats for the e-Bulli. Image Credit: Supplied

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It's all good in there - apart for that modern gear lever. It looks out of place next to the giant steering wheel and retro seats... Image Credit: Supllied

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It can be charged with alternating or direct current, and with DC-fast charging (up to 50 kW of charging power), it can reach 80 per cent battery capacity in 40 minutes. Image Credit: Supplied

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The 45 KwH battery has a range of 200km and although VW had plans to debut the e-Bulli at Techno Classica 2020 this was cancelled due to the coronavirus, but we are glad we are seeing this classic beauty online now. Image Credit: Supplied

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Far out! Retro Volkswagen e-Bulli Concept is the best thing you'll see all day

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Far out! Retro Volkswagen e-Bulli Concept is the best thing you'll see all day

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