VW Brings Back the Microbus as the “Bulli” EV People Mover

My girlfriend is utterly obsessed with old school VW Vans, especially the Westfalia campers. So when I told her about the new VW Microbus EV concept unveiled in Geneva, she damn near stole the laptop out of my hands.

I don’t have to tell you how popular the old Microbus was with hippies and adventurers here in America and across the world wherever they were sold. Alas, the Microbus went out of style when big SUV’s became popular. Officially called the “T1” or “Transporter,” a raised-roof version of this popular bus is still sold in Brazil. VW actually has done this concept before, back in 2001, but that version of the Microbus never made it to production. So could the Bulli actually come to market? Maybe.

Powering this micro-Microbus is a 113 horsepower electric motor that, in theory, could propel the Bulli for up to 186 miles. That ain’t too shabby, though remember, this is just a concept vehicle. But the 40 kWh battery would provide ample power to motivate the Microbus almost 200 miles, and with almost 200 ft-lbs of torque on tap it would certainly be more powerful than its air-cooled predecessor. The 0-62 mph time is claimed to be 11.5 seconds, which doesn’t sound fast until you compare it to the original, which could take 30 seconds or more to reach highway speeds. I’ve actually experienced trying to accelerate one of these, and I thought there was something wrong. The only thing wrong though was the lack of horsepower, so I’m glad VW isn’t going to make that same mistake twice.

While this concept definitely recalls the original VW Bus, it is decidedly modern on the inside. There is no tachometer, but there is a removable iPad that communicates with the radio system. The rear seats can be stored, folded, and even turned into a bed, true to the Microbus’s camper roots. How awesome is that?

If VW actually built this bus (and it was big enough for me to sleep in) I’d sell everything I owned in a heartbeat and take to the road, just like those crazy hippies used to do. Would any of you embrace your inner hippy for this awesome VW concept?

Source: Volkswagen

Chris DeMorro is a writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to Hemis. You can follow his slow descent into madness at Sublime Burnout.

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Tags: auto show, Bulli, concept, Geneva, ipad, Transporter, type 1, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Bulli Concept, VW, VW Microbus Concept, VW T1, westfalia

About the Author

Christopher DeMorro A writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to HEMIs, Chris can be found wrenching or writing- or esle, he's running, because he's one of those crazy people who gets enjoyment from running insane distances.

http://Web Don

No split windshield?
http://Web Charles

Great comeback; I loved my VW Beetle and when later I upgraded for travel, the Squareback was just great for two. Who knows? At my old age I may just opt for a Bulli EV. That is if they’ll decide to put it into production. It would be a tremendous success and a head ache for the timid 100% EV auto enterprise.
http://chicagoweekendfun.com ChicagoGirl1

I think it looks awesome.

I dont have any history with VW but the idea of an electric that has space for carrying more than just people is appealing and versatile. I’m guessing its about the size of the scion xB?

I just hope that it feels nice enough inside and not cheap. Sometimes these concepts look great and then the seats feel like cardboard and the dash looks dinky. Even eco-consious people like to have an upscale interior. And heated seats for those of us that live in Chicago.
http://ga Jo Borras

Leave a Reply
- http://importantmedia.org/members/joborras/ Jo Borras
  
  Not sure if there was an error (above) or my comment got “edited” out, but I’m willing to say it again: I’d call a VW van you can’t road-trip in a paperweight … except that paperweights are useful.
  - http://Web Amy
    
    Jo you are right!!! It’s not a microbus if you can’t road trip in it and it is way too small!!!!!!!!
http://wheel411.com Taylor

I appreciate this new VW concept but this not looks much comfortable like other microbuses.As there is no tachometer so it doesn’t catch the attention of youngsters but i hope it will be improved soon according to the customer demands.
http://Web A. J. Anderson

I’d acquire one immediately if availability were an option.
http://Web HTS

Dave mit superbus!! These things were great. I hope they bring them back.
http://Web paul

It’s a Volkswagen! It’s a large sedan with a fold down rear seat! It would be electric? They haven’t gotta the battery power yet for road trips. Until then I will hamg on to my 68 t-1 that gets 30 mpg on the freeway.
http://Web antonio andolini

That thing looks wack.
It’s not evocative of the old mini van.
Where are the round headlights? wheres the mini van shape?
That thing looks ugly.
What happened to all the designers with taste?
What? Are there only a bunch of no-talent-bums designing everything?
http://Web jim

I am so disappointed with this new version. Too small, tiny cargo space.
The 2001 concept bus was true to the brand. It had nicer lines and was much hipper/cooler than this new version. This one reminds of several small japanese models. What the hell is VW designers/engineers thinking? This isn’t even close. Not sure what they are bragging about. This is as off brand as the “CHRYSLER ROUTAN” VW came out with a few years back. I was excited, until I saw this version. I’m not buying it. I have a family of four and thought “How cool would it be to own a modern throwback bus” not now. Very disappointed.
http://Web Klaus

Should have the round headlights, would look more original. Not the slanted headlights. I am german I would design it this way.
http://Web Klaus

Looks like a Japanese van, not German. Allow me to design it, I would design it with more of an original look. Round headlights for starters. Get the word out, ROUND HEADLIGHTS give it more appeal!!!
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http://www.discountpatiofurnituresite.com John M

This is a very good move by VW. And I feel the design looks good too. Not great, but maybe good enough. It seems to be too small for roadtrips. But given it’s a electric vehicle, that’s hardly surprising. And I wonder whether the iPod really serves any purpose … maybe it’s their attempt to put fancy gadgets in the vehicle.
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