Automotive

Modular eBussy is the adorable German e-van and camper of our dreams

Modular eBussy is the adorable German e-van and camper of our dreams
Another instant favorite, the eBussy "Open!" configuration is a cabriolet van/pickup hybrid
Another instant favorite, the eBussy "Open!" configuration is a cabriolet van/pickup hybrid
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With electric four-wheel drive baked in, the eBussy will be a platform for a capable and tiny off-roader
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With electric four-wheel drive baked in, the eBussy will be a platform for a capable and tiny off-roader
ElectricBrands plans to integrate solar panels into its design for added range
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ElectricBrands plans to integrate solar panels into its design for added range
Classic van styling with a modern makeover
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Classic van styling with a modern makeover
ElectricBrands plans to launch the eBussy modular electric van in 2021
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ElectricBrands plans to launch the eBussy modular electric van in 2021
One available configuration, the eBussy Camper features a slide-out and pop-up roof to open up the compact interior
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One available configuration, the eBussy Camper features a slide-out and pop-up roof to open up the compact interior
It's not clear if ElectricBrands plans to work a bed into that pop-top, but if it does, it'll create an electric four-sleeper micro-campervan
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It's not clear if ElectricBrands plans to work a bed into that pop-top, but if it does, it'll create an electric four-sleeper micro-campervan
Electr
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ElectricBrands previews the eBussy micro-campervan
The compact size of the eBussy makes for a small but capable floor plan with corner kitchen and folding bench/bed
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The compact size of the eBussy makes for a small but capable floor plan with corner kitchen and folding bench/bed
The kitchen includes a small cooktop, sink and flip-up work/dining extension
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The kitchen includes a small cooktop, sink and flip-up work/dining extension
Drop the bench to sleep two people
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Drop the bench to sleep two people
The eBussy Camper design relies on the rear slide-out to create a properly sized sleeping area
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The eBussy Camper design relies on the rear slide-out to create a properly sized sleeping area
ElectricBrands charging station
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ElectricBrands charging station
Assuming it comes to fruition, the eBussy could be an ultra-versatile electric vehicle for work, leisure and everyday driving
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Assuming it comes to fruition, the eBussy could be an ultra-versatile electric vehicle for work, leisure and everyday driving
Another instant favorite, the eBussy "Open!" configuration is a cabriolet van/pickup hybrid
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Another instant favorite, the eBussy "Open!" configuration is a cabriolet van/pickup hybrid
The Open! has a removable roof over the cab and load area
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The Open! has a removable roof over the cab and load area
eBussy/Xbus short-bed pickup with crew cab
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eBussy/Xbus short-bed pickup with crew cab
eBussy "Bus" on/off-road passenger minivan
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eBussy "Bus" on/off-road passenger minivan
The base-level eBussy
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The base-level eBussy flatbed truck
eBussy Tipper truck
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eBussy Tipper truck
eBussy "Box" delivery truck
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eBussy "Box" delivery truck
eBussy cargo van
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eBussy cargo van
eBussy single-cab long-bed pickup
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eBussy single-cab long-bed pickup
View gallery - 22 images

No offense to Volkswagen's ID. Buzz, a successful design in its own right, but when we close our eyes and imagine an all-electric Volkswagen Type 2 for the 21st century, it's the new eBussy that we see. That was true before we knew it existed, and it's definitely true now that we've seen the actual design. Beyond timelessly simple styling, the new German-designed electric mini-bus also promises some of the most impressive modularity out there, switching between family van, cargo van, pickup truck, camper van, off-road adventure van and other configurations. And so far, it looks to be surprisingly affordable.

Volkswagen has given its own electric van concepts more of a futuristic identity, but Münster-based ElectricBrands keeps things more traditional. Its eBussy design looks very much like a T1/T2 Transporter, reinterpreted for modern times. It has the flat face, bright, round headlamps, softened-box body and partially covered rear wheels. Every time we stare it in the eyes, we see "T2 of the digital age" staring back at us.

Like those early VW Type 2's, the eBussy isn't a vehicle so much as the platform for an entire family of vehicles, ranging from flatbed and tipper trucks to delivery, family and camper vans. That modularity isn't just a handy available feature, it's THE feature that the eBussy design was based around, the idea being that owners can easily swap out individual modules to make one vehicle into any and every vehicle for all their passenger and cargo-hauling needs. ElectricBrands promises Lego-like simplicity in plugging and playing.

eBussy single-cab long-bed pickup
eBussy single-cab long-bed pickup

The basis of the eBussy is a pair of electrified chassis, one optimized for city driving, the other for off-road. Each comes equipped with a four-motor electric drive and 10- to 30-kWh underbody battery pack. The 20-hp (15 kW) motors are integrated into each wheel, combining for up to 738 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque and speeds up to 55 mph (90 km/h).

ElectricBrands expects the eBussy models' base weight to land between 990 and 1,325 lb (450 and 600 kg), estimating that the base 10-kWh battery pack would provide power enough for 124 miles (200 km) of range, dropping to around 93 miles (150 km) when fully loaded with animate or inanimate cargo. With larger batteries and solar roof panels, it estimates range figures could rise as high as 500/373 miles (800/600 km).

Assuming it comes to fruition, the eBussy could be an ultra-versatile electric vehicle for work, leisure and everyday driving
Assuming it comes to fruition, the eBussy could be an ultra-versatile electric vehicle for work, leisure and everyday driving

Ordinarily when a van launches, we have to imagine what it will look like as a camper van or off-road adventure van, much the way we could only envision the camper version of today's Torsus Terrastorm. But thanks to the modular design and a busy team of ElectricBrands designers, the eBussy renderings show many planned configurations, including the micro-campervan.

At 143 in (364 cm), the eBussy Camper runs well smaller than the average mini-campervan, sizing between the 152-in (386-cm) Flexcamper solo mini-camper and the 134-in (340-cm) Outclass Suzuki Every off-road micro-camper. But with a little bit of creativity and a couple of strategically placed expansion modules, ElectricBrands puts that cabin space to work as an efficient micro-dwelling.

One available configuration, the eBussy Camper features a slide-out and pop-up roof to open up the compact interior
One available configuration, the eBussy Camper features a slide-out and pop-up roof to open up the compact interior

The Camper's folding rear bench extends into the rear slide-out to create a bed, while the pop-up roof clears headroom enough to stand. It's similar to what Westfalia does with the James Cook. The eBussy Camper's compact kitchen gets flipped around from the usual wide, sidewall-mounted block, tucked into the front divider wall corner with its small stove, sink and water tank. There's even a TV mounted on the wall over the kitchen.

The camper variant of the eBussy/Xbus includes a pop-up roof and a rear slide-out, turning the 364-cm-long van into a comfy camper
The camper variant of the eBussy/Xbus includes a pop-up roof and a rear slide-out, turning the 364-cm-long van into a comfy camper

Sure, it's more easily rendered than built, but we've seen enough space-optimizing camper van creativity over the years to feel confident it's straightforward enough to put together. And if ElectricBrands could slide a bed into the roof, that tiny van could seat and sleep a family of four ... for an estimated starting price around €28,880 (approx. US$33,850). Not bad at all.

Another eBussy configuration that's love at first sight for us, the Open! includes a van-like passenger cabin and small pickup bed, each with its own removable roof. Surfboards or not, it screams open-air adventure about as loudly as the new Ford Bronco.

The Open! has a removable roof over the cab and load area
The Open! has a removable roof over the cab and load area

Since we're still looking at just renderings and estimated prices (*provisional and subject to change) from a brand that counts only electric scooters as existing offerings, we won't spend time walking through every eBussy possibility, but we've included pictures of each proposed variant in the gallery. The Camper would unsurprisingly be the most expensive, with the flatbed mini-truck wearing the lowest estimated base price of €15,800 (US$18,500). The cargo and family vans would start at an estimated €19,600 (US$22,975). ElectricBrands plans to launch the eBussy in 2021, and those who want to reserve a spot on the production schedule can do so immediately with a non-binding online reservation.

And like that, the race is on ... will the eBussy, Neuron, something different entirely, or none of the above be the first vehicle to launch us into the age of the ultra-versatile modular electric work and play van-truck?

Source: ElectricBrands

View gallery - 22 images
6 comments
6 comments
alm
if vw uses same software as id3 electric car it won t work, since due to bad software deliveries of id3 car delayed and remember battle of britain when german air force even outnumbering raf by 10 to 1 lost 2000 pilots vs raf 400 lost pilots due to advanced radar tech of britain weakening from that time on german air control rest of ww2 so never trust german electronics or you might be dead or electrocuted in vw bus!
nick101
This is moving in the right direction, at least price and practicality wise, now it has to get through the grueling safety tests which might prove challenging for a vehicle that small.
guzmanchinky
"Bussy" in German is "little kiss" and this cute camper fits that perfectly.
CAVUMark
I think this could work for me! I'll beta test it in SOCAL.
RainerSchulte
Uhh- I drove a 69 VW Bus to Africa- this E- model is extremely UGLY, the headroom of the driver is too low, the front is ugly, side panels are ugly. Batteries are OUTDATED in E- vehicles! Todays electric vehicles will drive with BLUE GAS Hydrogen fuel cells to get 1) power, and 2) range! This thing looks like it has no front or no rear- genderless box. It should be the same length as the old VW bus and with BIG TIRES. The electric wheel motors I do not trust in water (wading rivers) and mud. The general design is not ATTRACTIVE- its REPELLING clients. This is my feeling looking at this thing. VW has better designers- see the Tuareg or look at the new Bronco. A 2.40 cm standing height lifting ALU roof with springs and locks I made for my BW UNIMOG SANKA Koffer that was my rainforest field base here in Peru. Well I think an Offroader must have some manly appeal. This tiny thing might be good to drive around in cities with little parking spaces. Also would be an idea to see WHAT SUSPENSION system is mounted to the wheels and how is the visibility to all 4 corners and the backside. On the front we usually mount a spare tire to a solid holder! And the break in security is also an important issue designing such cars. I would say: try again a bettter design. My VW bus had single seats in front- easy for my lady to go into the back during driving or we could escape during an attack at night without opening a door! Good luck. Do not forget to change the power supply to Blue Gas Hydrogen. Too much good things over bateries! Lithium is DEAD for cars.
Trylon
It would look just about perfect with a spare tire on the front (no grille to block) and painted in a Scooby Doo Mystery Machine scheme.