Volkswagen: First photos of the E-Bulli 🎥
TRADITION AND ZEITGEIST With drives from current electric vehicles, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has the E-Bulli. It represents a spectacular mixture of a T1 Samba bus from 1966 with current drive components. In addition to the T1, conversions for the T2 and T3 series are possible with a parts kit. The combination of high-end classic car and high-tech electric car will be available for purchase. The VWN partner [...]
In addition to the T1, conversions for the T2 and T3 series are possible with a parts kit.
The combination of high-end classic car and high-tech electric vehicle will be available for purchase. VWN partner eClassics plans to offer T1 conversions and complete T1 vehicles in the style of the E-Bulli.
Torque changes character
The 32 kW (44 hp) four-cylinder boxer engine gave way to a silent electric motor with 61 kW (83 hp). With a maximum torque of 212 Newton meters (Nm), the new drive offers more than twice the power of the original engine with 102 Nm.
What's more, the maximum torque is available immediately - as is typical for e-motors. And that changes everything. Never before has a production T1 driven so powerfully. It becomes a silent cruiser, without the characteristic whine of the boxer engine in the rear.
Top speed 130 km/h
Power is transmitted to the rear axle via a transmission with just one gear. The "gearshift lever" now sits between the driver's and front passenger's seats and allows a choice between P, R, N, D and B, whereby the degree of recuperation can be varied in B mode.
The top speed of the E-Bulli is an electronically limited 130 km/h. The original T1 managed a top speed of 105 km/h.
A high-voltage lithium-ion battery is responsible for supplying energy to the electric motor. Its usable energy content is 45 kWh.
Battery centered in vehicle floor
All series parts of the e-drive are manufactured by Volkswagen Group Components in Kassel. The lithium-ion modules designed at the Braunschweig components site will be added and transferred by eClassics to a battery system suitable for the T1.
As in the new ID3 and the future ID Buzz, the battery is located centrally in the vehicle floor. This arrangement lowers the center of gravity of the E-Bulli and thus improves driving characteristics.
Range more than 200 kilometers
The battery is charged via a CCS charging socket. It allows charging with alternating and direct current.
AC: Via an AC fast charger, the battery is charged with 2.3 kW to 22 kW charging power, depending on the power source.
Direct current: Thanks to the e-Bulli's CCS charging socket, the battery can also be charged to 80 percent in just 40 minutes at DC fast charging stations with up to 50 kW charging power.
The range with one battery charge is more than 200 kilometers.
More comfort and dynamics
The completely different driving feel compared to the T1 is also due to the newly designed chassis: multi-link front and rear axles with adjustable shock absorbers and coil spring struts as well as rack-and-pinion steering and four internally ventilated disc brakes.
Striking paint finish in two colors
The designers have modernized the exterior of the E-Bulli, which is painted in two-tone "Energetic Orange Metallic" and "Golden Sand Metallic Matte". It is details such as the round LED headlights with daytime running lights that hint at the transformation into the modern era from the outside.
There are also LED charging indicators on the outside of the rear. They signal to the driver how much energy is left in the battery as he approaches the E-Bulli.
Flooring in ship plank optics
The arrangement of the seats is one of the new features; it is - corresponding with the exterior paint - two-tone in "Saint-Tropez" and "Saffrano Orange". Solid wood in the look of ship's planks is used for the entire floor. Together with the leather seating, this creates a maritime character, reinforced by the large panoramic folding roof.
Warning by LEDs
The speedometer is based on the original. The digital display in the otherwise analog speedometer informs the driver about the range, among other things. LEDs also indicate whether the parking brake is applied or the charging plug is connected. A small but fine detail in the center of the speedometer is a stylized Bulli symbol.
Sound system with active subwoofer
Via Volkswagen "We Connect", the driver can call up information online via smartphone app or via PC and a corresponding web portal, such as remaining charging time, current range, kilometers driven and driving times, or energy consumption including energy recovery.
A retro-look radio brings the music on board in style, equipped with the latest technology such as DAB+, Bluetooth and USB. The radio is connected to a sound system with invisible components including an active subwoofer.
