Press release
261KB
february 28, 2020 - Volkswagen
World premiere at Techno Classica 2020: e-BULLI opens window into classic models’ future
- Bodywork and design of the T1 ‘Samba Bus’ fuse with the electric drive system components of the modern era
- New electric T1 bridges the gap between the T2 electric van (1972 to 1979) and the ID. BUZZ (launch in 2022)
Hannover, 28 February 2020 – Increasing numbers of owners of an historic VW Transporter also known as Bulli, Combi or Microbus dream of being able to drive a classic car emission-free with a modern electric drive system. With the new e-BULLI, #volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) is now showing what such a classic vehicle of the future could look like. VWCV is thus linking this iconic vehicle with the allure of zero-emission driving. #volkswagen already had its first electric Transporter way back in 1972: it was based back then on the T2. The e-BULLI of 2020 is now based on the T1: a ‘Samba Bus’, produced in 1966, exported to Los Angeles and later brought back to Europe. It has now been rebuilt and fitted with a modern electric drive system. #volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be showing the e-BULLI to the public for the first time at this year’s #technoclassica in Essen (25 to 29 March).
In big cities like Paris or London it is becoming increasingly complicated and sometimes more expensive to drive a classic car due to restrictions. Across the board more people than ever before are wishing for classic or vintage vehicles with an electric motor. This is where #volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is stepping in with the e-BULLI: a crossover made up of historic base vehicle and electric drive technology, designed to open a window into the classic models’ future.The electric drive system in the ‘Samba Bus’ is based on the drive-train and battery technology from #volkswagen Group Components. It consists of original components from the latest #volkswagen electric vehicles. It is thus the most advanced development stage of zero-emission technology that is being used in the e-BULLI. In addition, the show car has been given a modern, safer chassis.
In parallel with the engineering side, #volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Design developed an exterior and interior concept that is both avant-garde and stylish in cooperation with VWCV Oldtimer and the Communications department. The e-BULLI thus bridges the gap between the historic T2 electric van (1972-1979) and the future ID. BUZZ (due to launch in 2022). A fascinating symbiosis of tradition and modernity – in looks, engineering and handling.
Early sketches show what has been created at #volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ design centre: the e-BULLI is a high-tech classic vehicle for time travellers! The designers have modernised the exterior of the iconic vehicle with sensitivity and finesse. It is details such as the new round LED headlights, via which the transformation into the modern era is outwardly communicated. It is only when you look through the windows into the interior that you notice that a few things are not as you might assume them to be in a T1.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ interior designers have re-imagined a lot of the interior, without, however, for a second losing sight of the original concept. The leather seats are one of the new features and the automatic gear lever positioned between driver and front passenger seat is completely new. Solid wood in the look of a ship’s deck is used for the floor. Combined with a large folding roof, this ‘Samba Bus’ of the modern era takes on an almost maritime character. Feeling nature silently gliding by is without doubt one of the best experiences when out on the road with the e-BULLI.
The cockpit too has been sensitively modernised. One feature here based on the original is the new speedometer, which now has LEDs to show the gear selected for the automatic transmission (P, R, N or D). There is a small but lovely detail in the centre of the speedometer: a stylised Bulli symbol. Via a tablet integrated into the roof console all sorts of different functions of the e-BULLI can be controlled and a host of information accessed.
Further details about the new e-BULLI and some initial pictures will follow in the run-up to #technoclassica. What is already certain is that visitors to the classic and vintage vehicle show this year are going to be electrified by #volkswagen Commercial Vehicles!
02 T1 Elektrobulli
3100x1860, 2MB
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