The VolksWagen Type2 was launched in 1950. It was VW’s second model, following on from the Type 1 – the Beetle. The Type 2 became equally world famous, as the eponymous “Hippy Bus”, and was produced in Brazil until 2013.
It was the forerunner of the modern cargo and passenger van, and preserved the architecture of the beetle, with the rear air-cooled engine enabling an up-front cab and large cargo area.
Electric conversion options
Like the classic “Beetle”, the transmission of the Type 2 hardly changed, so our standard electric conversions are suitable for any VW Type 2 bus.
Low Voltage with manual gearbox
Hyper9LV motor bolted directly onto the original gearbox and driving the rear wheels using a clutch and all the gears, which produces truly startling performance. There is a lot of space for batteries, which come in multiples of 13kWh. The form-factor of the batteries enable you to fit them in the engine bay and under the chassis, so you don’t compromise the interior. In a Type2 you can expect about 3.5 miles/kWh, depending on how lavish the interior of your camper is!
High voltage with fixed reduction drive
TorqX-300i 350V electric motor with 9:1 fixed final drive and CCS rapid charging. Fixed reduction means no need to change gear. Battery options are 42, 62 or 83kWh in the engine bay and chassis, or more if you use some of the cabin space. 83kWh will take you about 250 miles at placid camper-van speeds, but the CCS-charging will get you back on the road ready for another 200 miles under your wheels in about an hour.
What this customer wanted
We built the “Marmite Bus” for ourselves and we use it every day. It is driven by a Netgain Hyper9LV air-cooled electric motor running at 110V. The transmission uses an IRS Beetle gearbox with a Quaife limited-slip differential – so Paul Swift can do doughnuts in it!
The total battery storage is 53kWh, which will give it a cruising range of about 150 miles between charges (it has the aerodynamics of a brick and a large air-brake on the back). It has a 7.5kW AC charger, as we simply charge it up overnight.
| Petrol Engine | Electric Motor | |
| Power: | 38kW | 80kW |
| Torque: | 95Nm @ 2,400rpm | 235Nm @ 0rpm |
| 0-60: | 23 seconds | 12 seconds |
| Top Speed: | 60mph | 80mph |
| Fuel: | Petrol | Electricity |
| Cost Per Mile: | 25p | 4p |
| CO2 Per Mile: | 0.46kg | 0kg |
