Volkswagen Westfalia Could Return As An Electric Vehicle

A next-generation Volkswagen Westfalia is slated to be unveiled on April 15th, meaning a new generation can get its camping on in the cozy confines of a German-built bus. While it will only be a concept to begin with, if Volkswagen does decide to bring the famous microbus back, it could be as an electric vehicle. That’s the word from AutoCar, which got the info from Volkswagen board member Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neusser.

The new Volkswagen Transporter would use a front-mounted electric motor with batteries installed beneath the floorboards, and its design is said to be heavily influenced by the microbus of yesteryear (which really only went out of production a few years ago). if Volkswagen could managed to bring the costs in line with expectations, than a concept could actually become a production model…especially if those 400-mile solid-state batteries work out. A 21st century Volkswagen Westfalia with days worth of electricity on board to power your outdoor adventure is a tempting thought indeed.

A word of caution though. Volkswagen has teased the idea of an electric Transporter revival before, most recently with the Bulli concept that debuted waaaay back in 2011. Four years later, and still no new microbus. However, electric vehicles are much farther along today than they were in 2011, and this time around Volkswagen might actually be able to make good on their promise.

In other words, it’s alright to get your hopes up, but be prepared for disappointment too.

My 21st century hippie wife will probably be the first person in line for one too. I’ll tell you what, it’d make a great vessel for travelling to music festivals. A plug-in hybrid would make even more sense for those who want to get as far removed from civilization as possible, but with 250 miles of range I could find plenty of peaceful places to park my electric Westfalia. Maybe this time, Volkswagen won’t wimp out.

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