Volkswagen e-BULLY. Electric Classic

e-BULLI is an all-electric, emission-free vehicle. The concept car, equipped with the latest Volkswagen electric vehicle drive systems, was built on the basis of the T1966 Samba Bus, released in 1 and completely restored.

It all started with a bold idea to equip the historic Bulli with a zero-emission powerplant and thus adapt it to the challenges of the new era. To this end, Volkswagen engineers and designers, together with powertrain specialists from Volkswagen Group Components and eClassics electric vehicle restoration specialist, have formed a dedicated design team. The team chose the Volkswagen T1 Samba Bus, built in Hannover in 1966, as the basis for the future e-BULLI. The car spent half a century on the roads of California before being brought back to Europe and restored. One thing was clear from the start: the e-BULLI was to be a true T1, but using the very latest Volkswagen electric drivetrain components. This plan has now been implemented. The car is an example of the great potential this concept offers.

Volkswagen e-BULLY. Components of the new electric drive system

The 32 kW (44 hp) four-cylinder boxer internal combustion engine has been replaced in the e-BULLI with a quiet 61 kW (83 hp) Volkswagen electric motor. Comparing just the power of the engine shows that the new concept car has completely different driving characteristics - the electric motor is almost twice as powerful as the boxer internal combustion engine. In addition, its maximum torque of 212Nm is more than double that of the original 1 T1966 engine (102Nm). The maximum torque is also, as is typical for electric motors, immediately available. And that changes everything. Never before has the "original" T1 been as powerful as the e-BULLI.

The drive is transmitted through a single speed gearbox. The transmission is connected to the gear lever, which is now located between the driver's and front passenger's seats. Automatic transmission settings (P, R, N, D, B) are shown next to the lever. In position B, the driver can vary the degree of recuperation, i.e. energy recovery during braking. The top speed of the e-BULLI is electronically limited to 130 km/h. The T1 gasoline engine developed a maximum speed of 105 km / h.

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As with the 1 boxer engine on the T1966, the 2020 e-BULLI electric motor/gearbox combination is located at the rear of the car and drives the rear axle. The lithium-ion battery is responsible for powering the electric motor. The useful battery capacity is 45 kWh. Developed by Volkswagen in collaboration with eClassics, the e-BULLI power electronics system in the rear of the vehicle manages the high voltage energy flow between the electric motor and the battery and converts the stored direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). during this process. The on-board electronics are supplied with 12 V via a so-called DC converter.

All standard components for the electric powertrain are manufactured by Volkswagen Group Components in Kassel. In addition, there are lithium-ion modules developed and manufactured at the Braunschweig plant. EClassics implements them in a battery system suitable for the T1. Like the new VW ID.3 and the future VW ID.BUZZ, the high-voltage battery is located in the center of the car's floor. This arrangement lowers the e-BULLI's center of gravity and thus improves its handling characteristics.

The CSS Combined Charging System allows fast charging points to charge the battery up to 80 percent of its capacity in 40 minutes. The battery is charged with AC or DC through the CCS connector. AC: The battery is charged using an AC charger with a charging power of 2,3 to 22 kW, depending on the power source. DC: Thanks to the CCS charging socket, the e-BULLI high-voltage battery can also be charged at DC fast charging points up to 50 kW. In this case, it can be charged up to 80 percent in 40 minutes. The power reserve on one full battery charge is more than 200 kilometers.

Volkswagen e-BULLY. new body

Compared to T1, driving, handling, traveling e-BULLI is completely different. Mainly thanks to a completely redesigned chassis. Multi-link front and rear axles, shock absorbers with adjustable damping, threaded suspension with struts, as well as a new steering system and four internally ventilated brake discs contribute to exceptional vehicle dynamics, which, however, are very smoothly transferred to the road. surface.

Volkswagen e-BULLY. What has been changed?

In parallel with the development of the new electric drive system, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has created an interior concept for the e-BULLI that is avant-garde on the one hand and classic in design on the other. The new look and related technical solutions have been developed by the VWSD Design Center in collaboration with Volkswagen Passenger Cars' Retro Vehicles and Communications Department. Designers have redesigned the car's interior with the utmost care and refinement, giving it a two-tone finish in Energetic Orange Metallic and Golden Sand Metallic MATTE paint colors. New details such as round LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights herald the entry of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand into a new era. There is also an additional LED indicator on the back of the case. It shows the driver what the charge level of the lithium-ion battery is before taking his place in front of the e-BULLA.

When you look out the windows at the eight-seat saloon, you will notice that something has changed compared to the "classic" T1. The designers have completely changed the image of the interior of the car, without losing sight of the original concept. For example, all seats have changed their appearance and functionality. The interior is available in two colors: "Saint-Tropez" and "Orange Saffron" - depending on the chosen exterior paint. A new automatic transmission lever has been added to the console between the driver and front passenger seats. There is also a start/stop button for the motor. A massive wooden floor, similar to a ship's deck, was laid all over the surface. Thanks to this, and also thanks to the pleasant light leather of the upholstery, the electrified Samba bus acquires a maritime character. This impression is further enhanced by the large panoramic convertible roof.

The cockpit has also been significantly upgraded. The new speedometer has a classic look, but the two-part display is a nod to modern times. This digital display in the analog speedometer shows the driver a range of information, including reception. The LEDs also show, for example, whether the handbrake is applied and whether the charging plug is connected. In the center of the speedometer is a cute little detail: a stylized Bulli badge. A number of additional information is displayed on a tablet mounted on a panel in the ceiling. The e-BULLI driver can also access online information such as remaining charging time, current range, kilometers traveled, travel time, energy consumption and recovery via the smartphone app or the corresponding Volkswagen "We Connect" web portal. The music on board comes from a retro-styled radio that is nonetheless equipped with the latest technology such as DAB+, Bluetooth and USB. The radio is connected to an invisible sound system, including an active subwoofer.

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