Tesla powered VW Camper

We've given the iconic '60s hippy bus, the VW Splitscreen Camper, an eco makeover. We've converted it to electric by recycling a Tesla motor and battery pack and bolting it in. Now it can keep up with modern traffic and not have all those fumes coming out of the exhaust or into the cabin.
The brakes have been upgraded to discs on the front and coupled to the regenerative braking from the motor it now stops as well as it goes.
It's the original Volkswagen ID Buzz.

[@ceesheemskerk2397]

'67 the last year of the splitty. My father drove a 55 splitty and changed it for a 56 upgrade, After 2 more splitties he bought a '68 type 2 for his shop. That type 2 was a way better bus! I was 22 then, and I loved driving it!

[@zenzen9131]

Patina is the right choice. What a stunner :)

[@ianmilne655]

Defo keep it as original as possible, I actually thought you'd done nothing to it until you pointed out the battery pack under the bench, smashing job guys👍

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Cool, thanks.

[@DetroitMicroSound]

One of the things I respect most about his company, is the fact, he's not cramming the vehicles full of touch screens, and computerized/motorized everything. I enjoy the fact, he tries to leave everything as analog as possible. All the gadgets with motors, and extra non-vital electronics, add more weight, waste energy, and distract the driver.

[@ianmilne655]

@@DetroitMicroSound agreed, they do a fantastic job there, quality kit and well thought out keeping as much as poss original or original looking. Defo the way forward converting existing vehicles to EVs rather than manufacture all from new👍

[@robertm1459]

I also enjoyed hearing the rattles & squeaks :-)

[@ElectricClassicCars]

@@robertm1459 That's just Tim, he's very old. 😂😆👍

[@briertonp]

You and the owners did the conversion perfectly! Even the colour was right to start with. I am extremely envious!!! 😍

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Thank you!! 😊

[@rustedbeetle]

Resto-custom for me. My Super Beetle has 1776 dual carb and disc brakes and Subaru paint, but still has the heart and soul (and anemic heat) of a Beetle.

[@grantlouw3182]

Definitely keep patina only do the necessary rust repairs. Another classic E converted to lust after, great job!

[@jcambeul5338]

I am really torn with both options. I love a really nice original patina, yet I also really like an update to the original colors and interior. That said, I think this bus looks beautiful none the less. This was a great job gentlemen.

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Thanks 👍

[@mikefreeburn226]

I love the patina and original look on the '67. Happy the owner went with that. Also, love the sweet, modern look of the bay window - both very well done indeed...

[@felixmadison5736]

I graduated high school in 1967 and I remember seeing many of those VWs on the road here in America. Most of them were covered with crazy colors, pictures, and peace signs. I worked at a Toyota garage around that time and one of my co-workers had a 1960s VW bus colored blue and white, which was pretty traditional.

[@prembhakto]

Patina for shure! Great job, so heartfelt.

[@BigMacProDaddy]

As long as it’s rust free, the old patina

[@mrmawson2438]

Looks nice inside

[@danshaffer7624]

Definitely keep that patina when you’ve got it! Well done.

[@stevejohnson1231]

I would go with the original patina on the split screen for sure. I learnt to drive in the 70's in my Dad's sealing wax red '63 split screen Dormobile camper. I didn't appreciate what a classic it was at the time. It would be worth a lot today if it had survived.

[@rushja]

Lovely! I think it looks amazing as a surviving relic

[@genestatler2514]

No question in my mind Richard, " patina " for sure with a pretty old splitty VW!!!

[@davidhaywood8029]

Absolutely beautiful work! I'd always hankered after an old splitty until I drove one -- totally impractical (verging on dangerous!) on modern roads. You've done a great service allowing this vehicle to be properly used & driven now -- rather than just looked at. Very well done indeed...

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Thanks. It's definitely a useable classic now. 👍

[@AWildBard]

Good thing you put new brakes on at least. So no problems with steering or suspension? 100kw is a big battery although the bus isn't super aerodynamic I guess. The owner will really appreciate the range.

[@RedBatteryHead]

Talk about original, wow. 👍

[@ramblerandy2397]

I'm getting a little on in years, so I would have kept the original look. At least for a while. Maybe I would have restored it after a few years, to pass it on. That original door mounted stove just made me grin from ear to ear. Yes, they did better, more practical versions laster, but this was so cute. It set the mood and the popularity forever. No other make ever quite made it like a VW Camper.

[@georgedaville4662]

I fell in love with is conversion as soon as I started watching Richard. The shots of it gliding away effortlessly were amazing. I think for this particular vehicle the original patina hits the spot perfectly. So nice to have reliability and a working heater. I have very fond memories of my 1966 Beetle when I was at Uni in the early 70’s, but having ice on the inside as well as the outside of the windscreen was not one of them🥶

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Ice on the inside of a Beetle windscreen.... Now that brings back memories. 😁👍

[@JG-mp5nb]

Gotta agree, scraping the inside only to have it fog right up!

[@chrisjarmain]

Top job! I've seen over in America the splitscreen vw electric conversions done. But not many in the UK. So much better and at 200HP 🫨😲 so much more power!!!! Really happy to see you guys converting one of these. To me this Vw is the perfect electric car because it can be used as a van for moving large items, as a camper or as a family vehicle to run the kids to school haha. Brilliant 👏👌🌟

[@user-jz6sx4kk6p]

this is the best thing I've seen all month!!!

[@jasonblair4057]

Enjoyed watching this conversion on the tv show. It must surprise loads of drivers on the road.👍👍

[@trevorberridge6079]

To answer your question Richard, I would definitely go for original patina. That's not because I think it's necessarily aesthetically superior. I just love the idea that this old hippy banger is going down the motorway and people might think 'I hope it doesn't fall apart at 50mph' only for it to whip down the road at 80mph with ease. You retain all the practicality and charm of the hard earned wear and tear with a sleeper car performance - well compared to it's original spec anyway. Of course it has to be tuned down or the Tesla motor would rip it to pieces. Great stuff.

[@a5-30-31cts]

Totally agree with you @Trevor Berridge! I'm new to this channel - only my 2nd vid but want to see them all! I had a '73 Transporter (1.7L type 2 motor). I loved driving it, but always dreamed of having the older splity with safari windows. These conversions are awesome!! Literally my dream vehicles!

[@hardywoodaway9912]

if I hit the lottery you can make me one of that 😂

[@arianlucatero7649]

Patina all day! Only restore cars that really need it.

[@bikeforever2016]

Patina, it looks great and if there's no rusted out metal needing replaced, leave it be.

[@locknut5382]

So glad that you kept it as original as possible, too. There's no need to make changes unless it's becoming unsafe. Thanks for this one. You made my day. 🙂👍

[@bikkiikun]

Patina is nice, as long as it isn't actual rust or threatens safety. In that spirit, the disk-break conversion and the new shocks were a very good addition.

[@markwellington1254]

Original patina for sure, it allows for a more worry free drive in my opinion. A scratch here and there are nothing to quibble about from a daily driver unless your daily driver has that brand new look to it.

[@se19996]

You've done a remarkable job with this camper conversion! Keep up the good work! 😃

[@spudproductions7606]

Thanks 👍😀

[@NZherewecome]

I always thought that between the frame rails of my splitty would be a good candidate for the battery packs, whilst being the lowest part but nestled at the same time. Great job!

[@blackbirdmark495]

Definitely keep it “as is”. Keep up the good work 👍

[@bowesterlund3719]

If it was mine I would keep the original style/look/vibe and the patina (you can’t buy and bolt on patina) and upgraded/modernised everything else = old looks and modern underpinnings. You done a super job guys!

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Thanks. That's very true, you can't buy and bolt on patina. 👍

[@lauralevenson6325]

I just saw one in Pleasanton, California, Hot August Nights It was a CHOPPED and SLAMMED! It was a Van, Mini-Bug! Oh How adorable.. look him up in Sacramento.. Professional Chop ,Channel, dump and slam!

[@Senrab46]

Both look great imo. 👍

[@pauladams1829]

That's got good times written all over it. ❤

[@MrTubeuser12]

bedford made a factory electric version of their CF2 vans from about '82 to '87 when they went bust, be good to see one of those Cf's with a modern electric drive train.

[@raysville7256]

She is a real beauty, would love to take her across the Continent

[@54mgtf22]

Love your work 👍

[@placesyoullgo9484]

I think Patina is preferable - to a point! If the body & paint are in good shape, then leave it, but if it's in a real bad state you should restore it - to original color if you can find the original under all the subsequent layers. Otherwise make it "rock". You are so lucky that it's not riddled with rust holes. My youth, in the 60s & 70s, in England was plagued by rust - floor, sills, spring hangers... everywhere. And that was 40 years ago. Thank goodness I live in Southern California now. We don't got no rust here. My '75 Bay Bus was a total mess though - several layers of various colors, dents, but NO RUST. so I stripped it down & did a nice British racing green & silver paint job. It was going to be an electric conversion, but Covid hit & I couldn't get the Netgain motor (from Italy) but the dream continues... kept alive by a 1981 Vanagon Westy - soon to be Tesla-fied! Thank you ECC Richard for all the great inspiration check out my "Existential Dream Bus" at this link kzbin.info/www/bejne/faHHq6Coh7h0qq8

[@taminatorv]

I grew up riding in a Microbus with that exact same color combo, so I would have kept the patina for nostalgia, as long as there wasn't major rust issues.

[@hugodm7414]

ECC makes the most exciting EV conversion, thanks for sharing with us.

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Thanks. 😁👍

[@cpF01]

I love this. As a Model 3 owner, I would love a Tesla powered Westfalia. Best of both worlds.

[@stuartschnare152]

Lovely conversion however I would opt to repair the rust blisters at the rear door and freshen up the varnish work. but thats all i would do to it.

[@robertamoyaw8812]

Patina for Life 🤓

[@davemurton736]

If I was able (could afford) 😊to convert my 67 Kombi Split, I’d probably have a full makeover 😂😂

[@chrislambert4885]

That split window looks like it’s in really good shape so I’d say keep it as is as much as possible. At some point though with normal use it’ll be due for a refurbishment

[@chilis_no]

OMG, this perfection, well done!!

[@chrisbolton5461]

Both look good and have advantantges and disadvantages. Great video, short and punchy.

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Glad you liked it!

[@JimWattsHereNow]

Just need a VW engine noise maker for the pull away sound LOL

[@mrmawson2438]

Great video mate

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Thanks 👍

[@skrivers85]

Nice Work!!!

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Thanks!

[@bellofbelmont]

For what it is I think the patina fits in really well. I saw Jay Leno talking about his product to look after old patina. Have you something similar that you use? Thanks ... Jim Bell (Australia)

[@pieteri.duplessis]

Very nice indeed.

[@dougowt]

I'm not a big fan of patina when something looks knackered, although my 62 Chevy step side looked knackered and I left it lol. But when you have a classic that has faired so well, then its great to keep some of the history. It looks perfect. Having spent all my motorised camping in a small van, my choice, should I ever be able to afford it would be the entire running gear of a Model S dual motor into a 25 year old lwb, high top Renault Master. And keep it looking right for stealth camping. Often necessary particularly in the UK.

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

My parents had one of these and I used to sleep in the back, as a baby, over the engine. Not sure this would put me to sleep like the ICE. LOL Much prefer this, esp. now.

[@laurieharper1526]

Beautiful bus. I'd split the difference when it comes to keeping the patina. I'd upgrade the seats for better comfort (but cover them in a period looking vinyl or similar) and address any paint/corrosion issues to the bodywork, but without making it look new/fully resprayed. I'd refinish the wheels - just a repaint in body matching colours - too.

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Good call!

[@PaulM745]

That is one sweet ride! I quite like the fact that it has been kept authentic. That said, I also quite like what you did to yours.

[@msStoDwa]

Great job but I really miss the original engine sound. 🙄 Probably someone ask this question, how much does it cost. Transition. And restoration?

[@kreshenahill5344]

I love it, my regular drive is an ev Nissan. I do wonder if I'd miss the smell and feel of driving either an engine. Hoe much did the conversion to electric cost?

[@scraverX]

tough choice on the Patina vs Restoration with new paint. I sort of like the full, left out in the weather for so long the paint has faded, changed colour and almost worn completely off in some places.

[@SimonPass230267]

Brilliant and owner is right to keep it original and unrestored!

[@whatsinamind4766]

More ecologically than ECC a car 'manufacturer' cannot be. Instead of pushing old cars through a shredder to melt them with a lot of energy to 'new' raw materials they are recycling the best of both worlds and blend them to something even better than the sum of both. There will come a time in the future that we will have more than enough green energy to power every EV or hydrogen driven car. Then we will certainly be very thankfull to ECC that they were pioneers in preserving so many jewels of car history to keep colouring our streets on a daily base, without any feeling of guilt. I still own a Suzuki RG 250 Walter Wolf 2-stroke motorbike in that very nice gold-bronzy colour. And I really love to ride it, also because it is such an agile, lightweight racing machine. It was a young mans dream that I own now already for 27 years. But the more I want to ride it, the guiltier I start to feel. These times the exhaust fumes it produces are no longer justifiable and I almost don't dare to ride it to cities... Hydrogen or EV-conversion would be the solution to preserve such a beauty of the 80's motoring history that has no equal in modern bike design... The times that I ride it it coulours the streets and gets so much attention and admiring looks. Many modern bikes don't even get noticed...

[@jamesellsworth9673]

I would have done a complete refinish outside and would have upgraded the interior cushions and panels with leather. Since the table had to be custom-made, I would have renewed the paneling inside, keeping the original design and closures wherever practical. Well...I would have done a restomod throughout, including suspension, tires, and replica wheels to make use of the extra horsepower from the drive train.

[@vintagerustmotors411]

She is fantastic just how she is, and even better with the new powerplant!!

[@mrmawson2438]

Original 👌

[@matt7660]

Very good job Richard!!! It would be very interesting to know the price of this conversion to give an idea to splitty owners like me who also wants to do conversion ;-) my model is 231, SO 33 VW Camper, 8 June 1964. All the best to ECC Team and keep up the good work 🤙

[@briananthony4044]

The Hyper 9 would have been sufficient and cheaper. Quite streamlined as well, should have a good range. I would restore it, especially where rust is coming through, and refitted the camper part. Mmmmm, a kitchenette above battery box and 2x2 side seating with table at the rear.

[@cdirosa]

Love they way they both look. Since you have dialed down the power what is the actual bhp it's running at and have you turned down the torque as well? Does it have a better range since it down on power?

[@warrenpitt6205]

love it

[@chargeheadsuk]

Great video chaps 👍⚡😉

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Thanks 😁👍

[@bettyswallocks6411]

A lot of headroom, for sure, but there’s no way you could dance on the table.

[@ElectricClassicCars]

My table dancing days are well and truly over. 😂👍

[@dave4803]

They look good but the later bay windows are better to use for camping. Lovely looking camper, only downside is the modern gear selector, not a fan of the turn knob to start with but in this case it ruins the classic look.

[@wendyharbon7290]

The VW body and interior, will have to be resorted at some stage. Maybe it would have been, a good idea to do all the work, at the same time. After the investment, in the electric conversion, you carried out. How much is the electric conversion cost, of a classic VW Microbus, or Ford Transit, or Leyland Sherpa and LDV Convoy, or Bedford CA and CF, or Austin Morrism J4's or Dodge Commer mini bus or van ?

[@gardenrailroadingjointhefu3379]

my choice is original Petina no rework unless needed. I did have a question, miles per charge, flat level driving with the 100kwh battery in the bus?

[@jeffreyrwilliams9345]

Thank you

[@jeffreyrwilliams9345]

Patina, priceless

[@MarkHey]

I was waiting for this since you teased me at the crewcab type2 video .. thx , luv it! But: my uncles westfalia type 2 was a lil more modern and maybe much cheaper... a boy can also hope ;-)

[@OhioPeteS2k]

I’d love an electric type 2. It’s only second on my electrified wish list to a hopped up electric 356. I’d keep the patina on this example.

[@billd5332]

Looks great the way it is. Awesome cook stove. How did you get the power to the wheels? I assume you removed the reduction gear boxes.

[@joshuajaydan]

Restored. New look.

[@mikejf4377]

Newer look. If he has the front clips there is a front hammock across the front seat. I have the hammock, but not sure if I have the four pieces needed for it.

[@mauriciovilas]

Muy linda... pátina

[@stephenhamer1702]

Nice. ...

[@PaulTC777]

now it wont overheat or be dangerously slow

[@wordreet]

It's a beauty! For me, the only thing missing IS the throb of the old engine. So, if I win the lottery or summat, can I have a "driving" sound system installed? Plus, do you think that an animal repellent noise generator on electric vehicles could become a thing, to benefit wildlife and domestic pets?

[@AgapeWarrior]

Wow that is brilliant !! Personally I would keep every ounce of the original I could as long as it was performing its original function use it lol. And the other question is which is more friendly to the enviro ?? I think its a given on that one hehe. And as far as I am concerned it still has the orig soul just as it is mate !! good on ya !! cheers and beers

[@splitycity]

another great project! I appreciate you and the projects that come out of your shop. I have a ‘60 synca that I aspire to transition to electric once the cost comes down. As you look into your crystal ball, how soon might we execute a 100kw conversion for under $20,000 (US dollars)?

[@ElectricClassicCars]

I think that will come with more repeat volumes of conversion kits. 👍

[@jdoniach]

Looks like you replaced the original swing-axle reduction-gear transaxle with fully independent rear suspension? It would have been interesting to see the drive unit installation.

[@SundryTalesOfConstance79WESTY]

Nooice! 😎 STOC

[@locknut5382]

With a genuine E registration number, it's worth a bit more, because those plates were only issued for 6 months, before switching to F..

[@Neverstopfishing_A_M_]

Very nice! How much would cost a sprinter van conversion?

[@bryandickerson5365]

IMHO it would have been a sin to remove this perfect patina! Often it’s gone too far, past the point of warm patina into irretrievable dilapidation, but this was caught at an excellent, lovely condition you just can’t buy. I just sold, unfortunately, an old Datsun wagon that’s in similar shape and I’m trying to convince the new owner to save it. Man, that Datsun would have been SO cool electrified. Maybe in my next life…..

[@santfekuss]

Patina 👍😎

[@Turk380]

100kw pack!? holy crap! what kind of range are you getting with that and the Tesla drive unit? I mean.. our Bolt gets 250ish miles out of 66kw.. and details on how you have the Tesla drive unit stashed in there? are the frame horns and cradle cut out? still using the torsion springs and trailing arms of the bus? wonderful kit but lacking in so many details here!!

[@examinerian]

Added bonus - it'll now be able to tow, or even just get up hills TBH, without overheating to a standstill! Split-screen should be as classic-looking as possible (under the skin, mod-on!). So, patina whilst tidying to removing tin-worm. More modern ones gradually lost the initial charm of the design. I'd go full resto on those. By the time the square front ones arrive, I see no probs with adding EV AWD, tech makeover, inside full refresh, etc. Apart from cash, though - that's a limiter...😁

[@doddsy799]

Richard, does turning the power output of the motor down increase the range? Typically what range could you expect? Cheers, Chris.

[@vittoriopasquale3527]

Definitely love the new look! What the cost of one of these beauties?

[@rainerholle6728]

New Look!