VW Type 2 Bus gets e-Golf electric power

American version of Camper goes electric to illustrate the possibilities for classic conversions

By Sam Sheehan / Wednesday, 27 November 2019 / Loading comments

Volkswagen’s American arm has given us a converted EV we can all get on board with, in the form of a Type 2 Bus (or Camper to us Brits), which has been kitted out with e-Golf electric hardware. In contrast to the controversial electrification of more sporting classics, we suspect few will take offence at VW’s decision to give this 1972 Type 2 Bus more grunt and smoke-free power, not least because it’ll grant it access to cities where emissions limits are effectively banning the old stuff.

The one-off ‘e-Bus’ - which has been made in conjunction with US conversion specialist EV West - is intended to showcase the usability of VW’s e-Golf powertrain in classic applications like this. In the case of the e-Bus, its rear-mounted oily bits are gone, in their place a 100kW synchronous AC permanent magnet motor, packaged into a single unit with a one-speed transmission. The 35.8kWh battery cells in 2017 e-Golf spec are located in reinforced, fireproof sections under the front seats and where the original fuel tank once lived.

The new hardware gives the e-Bus 136hp and 214lb ft of instantaneous torque, more than doubling the numbers produced by its original four-cylinder engine. The gear lever has been converted to control the drivetrain – it uses the same park, reverse, neutral and drive as the e-Golf – as well as the regenerative braking modes that utilises hardware also taken from the e-Golf. In keeping with the modernisation of such a classic design, the multi-function EV gauge gets a period look and graphics.

Range is said to be 125 miles, down from the e-Golf’s 144 due to the extra weight and brick-like aerodynamics of an original VW Bus. For those who want a Kansas Beige and Pastel White Bus capable of touring the US, it’s probably not quite there yet. But as a way to ensure special pieces of automotive history like this remain usable in the future, it seems like the perfect solution.

Search for a VW Camper here.