Volkswagen Camper To Return As Battery-Electric Van

Volkswagen Bulli in 2011

Volkswagen Transporter began 65 years ago

Volkswagen board member Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neusser revealed at the 2015 New York Auto Show that VW’s classic camper vanBulli will return in electric version.

Production of Volkswagen Transporter (Bulli) began in Wolfsburg 65 years ago.

In 2011, the German manufacturer unveiled a concept version of electric Bulli, but until now there were no signs of a production version.

As it turns out, the electric motor could be easily implemented in the unique design with a battery pack hidden in the floor:

“Speaking at the New York show, Neusser revealed that VW engineers and designers were working on a new Camper van concept using a small electric motor driving the front wheels and battery packs stored under the floor.

Neusser told Autocar that the design of the original VW van was “so iconic” that any attempt at a new model would have to have three “very important” design cues: “First the wide, solid, D-Pillar, second the boxy design of the centre section and, thirdly, the front end must have a very short overhang. The distance from the A-pillar to the front end must be very short.”

The key to achieving the unique front-end design is the fact that an electric motor would allow a much lower “bonnet line” than a conventional petrol engine. This, in turn, would allow the A-pillars to be placed much further forward than in a conventional MPV.

Such a car, he said, with an attractive cost base could make it into production. Work on the concept was currently ongoing at VW, Neusser confirmed.”

Source: Autocar