VW e-Bulli (1966, 2020): pictures, dates, prices, market launch
It doesn’t box, it purrs: This VW Bulli Samba from 1966 has the electric drive of a VW e-Up. The technology package is now available for retrofitting.
The optics of the VW T1 from 1996 and the electric drive of the VW e-Up 2020 are in the e-Bulli
The original four-cylinder boxer engine is removed from the rear of the VW Bulli to make room for the electric motor of the current VW e-Up. 44 HP quickly become 83 HP
There is space for eight people in the interior of the VW e-Bulli. The interior from 1966 has been retained – with the exception of the switch unit in the seat
The well-known sheet metal body of the VW T1 is retained. From the outside, nobody sees the modern drive of the electric van
The optics of the VW T1 from 1996 and the electric drive of the VW e-Up 2020 are in the e-Bulli
The old headlights of the VW Bulli are being replaced by LED lamps
The VW E-Bulli charges up to 22 kW on an AC column and a maximum of 50 kW on a DC column
The original four-cylinder boxer engine is removed from the rear of the VW Bulli to make room for the electric motor of the current VW e-Up. 44 HP quickly become 83 HP
There is space for eight people in the interior of the VW e-Bulli. The interior from 1966 has been retained – with the exception of the switch unit in the seat
The conversion of the VW classic is possible for every T1 owner. Cost: 64,900 euros
The center console of the VW E-Bulli has control buttons with modern functions
The classic steering wheel with a thin rim is adopted for the VW E-Bulli
Man is seldom too old to experience something new. This is especially true for air-cooled VW models: In September 2019, VW will provide the first information on the electrical conversion of the Beetle with factory parts. Now the Bulli follows. Models of the first transporter series (VW T1) become a buzzing space wonder with the mechanics of the electric VW Up.
Not all fans support such an intensive intervention in the crackling soul of the classic Bulli – especially since it entails much more than just a new engine. The study by VW’s commercial vehicle subsidiary shows how versatile electromobility can be. And that a modern drive does not have to go hand in hand with futuristic forms. From the outside, nobody can see the modern drive of the electric van.
The VW E-Bulli in a nutshell
- Complete conversion kit for VW T1 models
- Floor assembly with axles, chassis, steering and drive
- Connection to the original wiring harness
- Price for the conversion: 64,900 euros
- Market opening: 2020
Classic VW bus with Up technology
VW chooses the probably most popular version of the T1 as a prototype: a Samba bus. The eight-seater with the many windows dates from 1966 and provides the project with its body. VW has only spoken of one study so far – so it is quite possible that details will change in the long term. But the concept goes into series production. For oldtimers this means: Anyone who wants to modernize their T1 can have it converted into an electric car.
The original four-cylinder boxer engine is removed from the rear of the VW Bulli to make room for the electric motor of the current VW e-Up. 44 HP quickly become 83 HP
For the project, the four-cylinder boxer initially gives way to the rear of the vehicle. It makes space for the electric motor of the current VW e-Up. That sounds like a downgrade, but it’s an improvement on paper. The original 44 PS and 102 Newton meters of torque are converted to 61 kW (83 PS) and 212 Nm in the conversion. The bus will certainly not be a fast car, but it will be noticeably more powerful.
The drive makes a manual gearbox superfluous. The drive train with its fixed transmission covers the speed range of the Bulli. The very long gear lever on the floor of the first row of seats is also omitted. In the study, the manufacturer suggests a modern variant with an automatic selector lever on the seat.
As before, the motor in the Samba-T1 only drives the rear wheels. However, the Stromer breaks with one of the most important Bulli traditions: the engine and power electronics are water-cooled, just like in the VW e-Up.
Electric Bulli with a range of 200 kilometers
The VW T1 modification involves more than a simple engine conversion. The basis for the electric version is a completely redesigned floor assembly with space for batteries and a new chassis. The batteries sit between the newly developed axles. Depending on the version, it stores 45 kWh net. That is enough electricity for a range of at least 200 kilometers according to the standard. The Bulli charges up to 22 kW (alternating current) or a maximum of 50 kW (direct current).
There is space for eight people in the interior of the VW e-Bulli. The interior from 1966 has been retained – with the exception of the switch unit in the seat
More weight and strength require further extensive modifications. The Bulli therefore gets a height-adjustable coilover suspension and modern brakes. The prototype still has classic steel rims with chrome hubcaps. He hides his charging socket under the rear license plate. If you ignore the newfangled LED lamps, the electric Bulli project looks like a well-restored classic. At least from the outside.
VW Commercial Vehicles dares more inside. The classic seating, the spartan side panels and the huge steering wheel with a thin rim in the electric Samba remain. But there are modern details around it. This includes the center console with controls for modern functions and the new speedometer in a classic design.
Electrical conversion for VW T1, T2, T3, Beetle
The components for the electrical conversion come from VW. The kit itself is offered by the company eClassics from Renningen (Baden-Württemberg). Parts and labor together cost just under 65,000 euros. The car is added. The prices for used VW T1 vary greatly, they depend mainly on the condition. Rollable bodies are available on mobile.de for less than 10,000 euros. Particularly good copies already reach six-figure sums. But such cars will hardly have to serve as a basis. They are too valuable for that.
The conversion company offers the conversions for all air-cooled variants and all body shapes of the VW Transporter. More modern cars, i.e. the T2 and T3 series, do without new axles. It gets cheaper with a Beetle: the small car can be converted for 50,000 euros.
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