Volkswagen Unveils Its Iconic Fully Electric Kombi; The Rare Classic Manufactured in 1973 by the Automaker Is One of the Few Remaining in the World

After Volkswagen Chief Announces End of Gasoline and Diesel Engine Production, Automaker Reveals Iconic Electric Kombi Manufactured Since 1973

Last Tuesday, May 25, Volkswagen unveiled its iconic Kombi in a fully electric version, named Elektrotransporter. This rare classic was manufactured in 1973 by the German automaker. The announcement took place at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance event. The electric Kombi’s prototype was developed in partnership with companies Bosch, Varta, and RWE. The Elektrotransporter is based on the second generation of the Kombi, which was sold until 2013 in Brazil.

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The Volkswagen Kombi was born as an electric vehicle. During the 1960s and 70s, the German automaker produced a series of electric Kombi and Golf prototypes to study the viability of this type of engine. Officially presented in 1972, the Elektrotransporter was the electric version of the Kombi.

Volkswagen produced 120 units of its electric Kombi between 1973 and 1979, in van, pickup, and passenger variants. In 1978, the Electric Power Research Institute acquired 10 units of the electric Kombi. The remaining units were used in tests by Volkswagen and RWE, a German multinational in the energy sector.

The Iconic Electric Kombi Revealed at the Event in the USA Is One of the Few That Still Remain in the World

The electric Kombi revealed at the event in the USA is one of the few units that still remain in the world. On the outside, the Volkswagen Elektrotransporter features the same design as the second-generation Kombi. The differences, however, lie in the motorization. Instead of the rear boxer engine, there is an electric motor with 23 hp. It is fixed to the second gear of the original four-speed transmission of the Kombi.

The maximum speed is 77 km/h. The iconic fully electric Kombi from Volkswagen features a set of 24 lead-acid batteries, which weigh 555 kg in total. Another highlight of this rare classic is the brakes. The utility vehicle features a regenerative system that recovers part of the braking energy to recharge the batteries, something unprecedented for 42 years and which equips nearly all current electric cars.

The German automaker did not disclose information about the range or charging time of the electric Kombi. The Elektrotransporter will be on display during the annual event held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Amelia Island, Florida (USA). Volkswagen’s intention is to draw attention to the newly launched electric SUV ID.4, which will be offered starting this year in the USA.

Volkswagen Multinational Launches the New Kombi: The Classic That Remained in Production Until 1975 Here in Brazil Will Have a Successor!

The iconic Kombi, Volkswagen’s van, continues to evolve, and the German automaker is already preparing a new generation that is much more advanced. The new generation will feature a plug-in hybrid version with the same mechanics as the Golf eHybrid!

The new Volkswagen Kombi, the T7, fourth generation of the multivan, is a little closer today. The new Bulli will be introduced in mid-next month and will be completely renovated inside and out, adopting the modular MQB platform from the Golf eHybrid/GTE, the Skoda Octavia iV, or the Audi A3 E-Tron.

In a Move Contrary to Ford, the German Automaker Invests in Production and Factory in SP

Pablo di Si, CEO of the Volkswagen multinational in Latin America, announced in an interview with Reuters, on the 7th, the commitment to launch a new cycle of investments in Brazil. According to the executive, the details of the investment will be disclosed at the end of the year by the Global CEO of the Group, Herbert Diess.

In 2021, Volkswagen became the best-selling brand in Brazil again, replacing General Motors Co (GM.N) after many years, partly because GM’s production in Brazil was more interrupted than Volkswagen’s due to a global chip shortage.

Hurry Up! Volkswagen Calls for Candidates with No Experience in All Areas for Positions in Factories in SP and PR

The German Volkswagen, the world’s largest automaker, sees the importance of supporting young people in entering the job market. The company has trainee positions available in its factories in SP and PR for candidates with no experience and looking for their first job.

This opportunity is aimed at graduates between 2016 and 2020 who are interested in working in one of the company’s locations in the country: São Bernardo do Campo (SP), Vinhedo (SP), Taubaté (SP), São Carlos (SP), and São José dos Pinhais (PR).

Prerequisites:

• Advanced English;
• Previous professional experience;
• Graduation: 12/2016 to 12/2020; can be a second degree;
• Must be available to work in any location of Volkswagen in Brazil,

Applications are open until May 30 and can be made directly on the company website at this link. Good luck to everyone!