Such a classic! Although – this particular 1966 T1 Samba Bus isn’t exactly standard, because under its beautiful classic skin is an all-electric e-Up powertrain! And – you can soon buy it!
VW unveiled its e-BULLI concept, built in partnership with classic, and announced that eClassics will convert T1 vehicles, like the classic VW camper vans, into e-BULLI-style EVs.
For this concept, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) selected a T1 Samba Bus, produced in Hannover, Germany, that spent half a century cruising around California. The 32 kW (44 PS) four-cylinder boxer engine gave way in the e-BULLI to a silent Volkswagen electric motor delivering 61 kW (83 PS). The comparison of the engines’ power output alone makes it very evident that the concept vehicle has completely new drive characteristics, as the electric motor is almost twice as powerful as the boxer. What’s more, with maximum torque of 212 Nm, the new drive provides more than twice the force of the original T1 engine from 1966 (102 Nm). The maximum torque is also – as is typical for electric motors – immediately available. And that changes everything. Never before has there been an ‘official’ T1 as powerful as this e-BULLI. New in this form, it thus becomes a silent cruiser that combines the fascination of a zero-emission drive system with the incomparable style of a classic Bulli.
Power transmission is by means of a 1-speed gearbox. The drive system is coupled with the gear lever, which is now positioned between driver and front passenger seat. The automatic transmission’s selector settings (P, R, N, D, B) are shown next to the lever. In position B the driver can vary the degree of recuperation, i.e. of energy recovery when braking. The e-BULLI reaches a top speed of 130 km/h (electronically limited). With the original drive system the T1 managed a top speed of 105 km/h.
All who find the new e-BULLI an electrifying prospect can fulfil their dream of owning an emission-free T1 at eClassics. They are offering the T1 conversion, complete with redesigned front and rear axles, at prices starting from 64,900 euros. T2 and T3 conversions are being offered by eClassics too. The company is also offering qualified dealers a ready-to-fit parts kit.
Contact: eClassics GmbH & Co. KG / [email protected] / www.e- classics.eu / +49 7159 9331 82.
