Volkswagen x EV West Electric Type 2

It has been impossible not to notice the ever increasing shift towards electric vehicles and if you’re the sort of road warrior that loves to head on road trips aplenty, you’re definitely going to want to sit up and take notice of the recently announced Volkswagen x EV West Electric Type 2 Bus which, quite frankly, is a real sight to behold. This design has been released to showcase the potential of e-Golf powertrain in vintage vehicles and the fact that it looks so cool certainly doesn’t hurt.

The Volkswagen x EV West Electric Type 2 Bus has been on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum since November 21 and, needless to say, it’s turning heads aplenty and there is already plenty of electric car fans hoping this hits the shelves in 2020. It is the handiwork of Volkswagen of America who recently commissioned West Coast electric vehicle conversion specialist EV West to construct an electrified Volkswagen Type 2 Bus and, as you can see, the end result is most impressive indeed.

Electrifying Performance

Volkswagen America decided that the passion for classic-car culture and commitment to renewable energy made EV West the ideal choice for this project and they’ve certainly not let the car manufacturers down and have delivered an out of this world electric vehicle. The professionally harvested stock powertrain and 35.8 kWh battery system from the donor 2017 e-Golf delivers this e-Bus an approximate range of 125 miles which is pretty good going so far as electric vehicles are concerned. The powertrain will reside in the rear compartment of the e-Bus, which was previously occupied by the stock air-cooled 60-horsepower four-cylinder engine.

The Volkswagen x EV West Electric Type 2 Bus is one smooth ride and the independent rear suspension of the Type 2 Bay Window makes the ideal ally to the transverse driveline which is situated in a single unit that is home to the 100kW synchronous AC permanent magnet electric motor, one-speed transmission and charging system. Most of the other exterior and interior features of this VW e-Bus will remain, mostly 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 on this VW x EV West Electric Type 2 Bus remains but now actuates park, reverse, neutral, drive, and the regenerative braking modes (PRNDB) that are all familiar aspects of the e-Golf. To further enhance and maintain the authentic feel of this adventure ready steed, the e-Bus will be fitted with a classically styled multi-function digital EV gauge in the dashboard. This gauge will allow the driver to cycle through multiple views and monitor vehicle outputs whilst they hit the road in search of adventure.

Iconic Motoring

Needless to say, EV West were pretty excited to be bought in on this Volkswagen project as it represent the opportunity to merge a historic model from an iconic brand with the technology of today. It is just one of many ways that we can step closer to a more sustainable future while continuing to enjoy our rich automotive heritage and for those wanting an electric vehicle that is tailor made for road tripping, you’ll join us here at Coolector HQ in hoping this is commercially available sooner rather than later.

This amazing looking machine is painted in an effortlessly cool Kansas Beige and Pastel White that would be perfect for laid back adventures out on the open road and heading for the beach. This e-Bus was part of a rooftop display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, CA on Thursday, November 21^st during Volkswagen of America’s 4^th Annual Drive-In Movie event.