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This Company Modifies Classic Volkswagens To Be Electric-Powered

This post was updated on March 15th, 2024

You may have heard about Volkswagen bringing their new electric-powered “I.D. Buzz” campervan to the US in 2022.   The only problem?  It doesn’t look anything like their classic split window design from back in the ’60s!

San Diego-based company Zelectric Motors offers the best of both worlds.  They modify vintage Type 2 microbuses to be electric-powered, as well as Bugs, Karmann Ghias, and early Porsches, specializing in vehicles made between 1958 and 1966.

Zelectric replaces the engine in old VWs with an electric motor.

Volkswagen

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The modernized vehicles eliminate the need for gas; just plug them in at night and by the morning they’re fully charged.  The buses can run for about 60 miles on a single charge and the Zelectric Beetles get a range of about 80 to 100 miles.

Volkswagen

A few options are available: you can choose from their selection of gorgeous classics they’ve already “zelectrified”, get your own classic vehicle modified, or request one and they can source and rebuild it to be electric-powered.

Volkswagen

Electric power has many benefits over fuel.  There are no gas costs, toxic fumes, or possible oil leaks, and you don’t have to worry about regular motor maintenance.

The CEO, David Benardo, discusses more details with The Verge in this clip from Youtube:

Prices vary depending on what you’re looking for, but most rebuilds start around $55K.  For more information, check out their website at ZelectricMotors.com.