Kindred Motorworks, a California-based company specializing in retrofitting classic vehicles with electric drivetrains, has introduced an electric version of the iconic Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus, aiming at a niche market of affluent buyers who seek a blend of nostalgia and modern technology. The company previewed the vehicle in Bergen County, New Jersey, showcasing a fully restored, fully electric Microbus equipped with contemporary amenities such as heated seats, air conditioning, and smartphone connectivity.
The original Volkswagen Microbus, manufactured between 1950 and 1967, is renowned for its distinctive split-window design but was limited by its modest 53-horsepower engine and outdated features like an inefficient heating system. Kindred’s version uses a 294-horsepower electric motor powered by a 74-kilowatt-hour battery, offering an estimated driving range of up to 200 miles. The retrofitted bus retains much of its original aesthetic, including the signature 23-window layout, while updating its performance and comfort to meet current expectations.
Kindred co-founder and test engineer Basil Elbanna noted that the electric conversion addresses key shortcomings of the original model, particularly the lack of power and primitive heating arrangement. Greg Clark, then chief commercial officer at Kindred, emphasized the importance of authenticity to prospective buyers but highlighted the practical improvements the electric drivetrain provides. The conversion process is labor-intensive, requiring approximately 1,500 work hours per vehicle, and the pricing reflects its bespoke nature, with each unit costing $275,000. Production is expected to start with about a dozen vehicles annually before potentially increasing to 50.
The electric Microbus’s handling benefits from the placement of its heavy battery pack underneath the floor, which improves weight distribution compared to the original rear-heavy design. While the vehicle maintains the spacious and idiosyncratic interior layout of the vintage model—including seating that wraps around a central table—it lacks some modern conveniences such as airbags and advanced safety features inherent to contemporary vehicles. Despite this, Kindred positions the model as a lifestyle vehicle suited to casual drives, beach trips, and vacations.
Volkswagen itself offers a modern counterpart with its ID. Buzz, a retro-styled electric bus launched in the United States market in 2024. The ID. Buzz features a longer wheelbase, all-wheel drive options, three rows of seats, and modern safety technology. However, its U.S. sales have been slow, attributed in part to market timing issues, including the loss of the federal electric vehicle tax credit and challenges with charging infrastructure support. The vehicle carries a starting price of $59,995, considerably lower than Kindred’s custom conversions, but still faces competition in a market with evolving consumer preferences.
Volkswagen has announced plans to restructure its lineup and will reintroduce the ID. Buzz in the U.S. in the 2028 model year with expanded features, including compatibility with Tesla’s North American charging standard and a camper-oriented “Tourer” variant. Meanwhile, Kindred’s approach appeals to collectors and enthusiasts looking for an authentically styled yet electrified alternative to classic Microbuses, combining the cultural cachet of the original with modern electric vehicle technology.