Volkswagen Bulli Concept Car

12 March 2011 - Volkswagen has revealed its Bulli concept for Geneva. The vehicle is a development of the Microbus concept which made its debut in 2001 and continues the Volkswagen theme of shaping people carriers, heralding back to 1950 with the production of the first Transporter, the T1, which was based on a design sketched by Dutchman Ben Pon.

It is as a electric vehicle, which is powered by an electric motor linked to a battery that enables it to cover up to 300 km (185 miles) on a single charge. The motor’s output is 85 kW, while torque value is 270 Nm (199 lb-ft), available from the first push of the pedal. The lithium-ion battery has a maximum storage capacity of 40 kWh, with Volkswagen claiming that a complete recharge of the battery takes less than an hour when done at an electric refueling station.

The minivan Bulli Concept accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h [62 mph] in 11.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph). The concept can also incorporate VW’s petrol and diesel engines, with displacements between 1.0 and 1.4-liter.

The car concept is a development of the Microbus study from 2001. However, at 3.99 meters long, 1.75 meters wide and 1.70 meters tall, with a wheelbase of 2.62 meters, the six-seater compact is more compact than the its predecessor. Volkswagen claims that the interior is spacious enough for six passengers, with three seating up front and three at the back.

Interior of Volkswagen Bulli Concept EV comes with a removable iPad in the center console that serves as an infotainment touchscreen, controlling functions such as Bluetooth hands-free telephone, navigation system and media center.

The boot volume is 370 liters, but it can be extended to 1,600 liters when the rear bench is folded. The Bulli can also be turned into a camper van, since the seat system can be transformed into a large reclining surface.