Volkswagen e-Bulli
After eClassics and Volkswagen presented a conversion of the Beetle to electric drive at the IAA (Frankfurt Motor Show) last year, a similar kit has now been developed for the T1 van in cooperation with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The e-Bulli should actually debut at the classic car show Techno Classica in Essen/Germany next week. However, as this fair was postponed to the end of June due to the Corona pandemic, the premiere was shifted to the online world.
The basis for the presentation vehicle is a T1 ‘Samba’ from 1966, which had spent almost half a century in California. After an extensive restoration of the bodywork, this vehicle received a modern drive system with components from the VW Group parts shelf. To integrate these components of VW’s latest electric vehicles like the ID.3 into the e-Bulli, the mechanics of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles joined forces with some experts from Volkswagen Group Components. The original four-cylinder boxer engine with 32 kW/44 hp thus gave way to an electric motor with 61 kW/83 hp on the rear axle. Also the torque increased significantly from the original 102 to 212 newtonmeters. Thus the e-Bulli achieves a topspeed of up to 130 kph (80.7 mph). For power transmission, an one-gear gearbox is used, whose modes can be selected via an automatic gear selector between the front seats. In addition to P, R and D, there is also the B mode, in which the driver can adjust the degree of energy recovery during braking (recuperation). This additional charge flows into the 45 kWh lithium-ion battery pack in the floor of the vehicle, while the control electronics are located under the bonnet in the rear. eClassics specifies a range of more than 200 kilometers (124 miles) per charge. Up to 80 percent of the batteries can be charged within 40 minutes at rapid charging stations.
In order to adapt the e-Bulli to the new performance, engineers at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles designed a new chassis with multi-link axles front and rear, coil spring struts and adjustable shock absorbers. The rack-and-pinion steering system and the internally ventilated disc brakes are also new components. Wider wheels with whitewall tyres and rims in classic style skilfully fill the wheel arches. For the bodywork, the team opted for a two-tone finish in the colors ‘Energetic Orange metallic’ and ‘Golden Sand metallic matte’. Daytime running lights are integrated into the round LED headlights. In addition, LED charge indicators are located at the rear, showing the driver how much charge is left in the batteries.
The interior in particular has undergone several charges compared to the original 1966 VW T1, including the choice of leather seat covers in ‘Saint Tropez’ and ‘Saffrano Orange’. Besides the already mentioned new gearbox selector lever, the start-stop button for the electric motor is also installed between the front seats. The complete vehicle floor is covered with solid wood in shipboard look. Above the heads it remained with the large fabric folding roof and additional windows. In front of the folding roof is a large touchscreen tablet that can be used to access various functions of the ‘We Connect’ app and other apps. Behind the steering wheel is a newly designed speedometer with an integrated two-line display. This shows information about the charge level, range and other vehicle information. The retro-look radio has all modern options such as Bluetooth, DAB+ and USB connections. A subwoofer has been installed in an invisible place to significantly increase the music enjoyment.
eClassics offers the conversion to an e-Bulli for all Volkswagen T1, T2 and T3 models from now on. For the T1 this, including the new chassis parts, costs from 64,900 €.
Images: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
