Volkswagen of America electrifies a Type 2 Bus

Showcasing the possibilities of the e-Golf powertrain, Volkswagen of America recently commissioned electric vehicle conversion specialist EV West to construct an electrified Volkswagen Type 2 Bus.

The professionally harvested stock powertrain and 35.8kWh battery system from the donor 2017 e-Golf gives the e-Bus an approximate range of 201km. The powertrain will reside in the rear compartment of the e-Bus, which was previously occupied by the stock air-cooled 59bhp four-cylinder engine.

The independent rear suspension of the Type 2 makes a perfect mate to the transverse driveline which is contained in a single unit that houses the 132bhp synchronous alternating current permanent magnet electric motor, one-speed transmission and charging system.

Most of the other exterior and interior features of the e-Bus will remain, largely unchanged. The battery units are contained inside custom engineered, reinforced and fireproof enclosures located under the front seats and in the former location of the fuel tank. The stock long-throw shifter remains but now actuates park, reverse, neutral, drive, and the regenerative braking modes that are all familiar aspects of the e-Golf.

To further maintain its authentic feel, the e-Bus will be fitted with a classically styled multi-function digital EV gauge in the dashboard, which allows the operator to cycle through multiple views and monitor vehicle outputs.