Few vehicles carry the charm and cultural weight of the Volkswagen Bus. But the 1973 Brazilian 23-window version? That’s something truly special. Long after production ceased in Europe, Brazil continued building these iconic vans, giving modern enthusiasts a rare chance to experience vintage style with a slightly newer twist. At our shop, we saw this beautifully restored import as the perfect canvas to fuse classic soul with clean, modern EV power.
A Brief History of the Brazilian Bus
The Volkswagen Brazilian Bus, often referred to as the Kombi, became an enduring symbol of practicality and creativity. Produced in Brazil from 1957 to 2013, this beloved vehicle outlasted its European counterparts by decades. Its versatility made it a staple for families, small businesses, and adventurers worldwide. Today, these buses evoke nostalgia and represent a bridge between generations of automotive enthusiasts.
This particular bus arrived from Brazil in excellent shape, its interior already lovingly restored. From the polished trim to the original seating layout, it had the kind of character that turns heads wherever it rolls. Our goal was clear: preserve the aesthetic and spirit of the vehicle while delivering a safe, reliable, and downright fun electric driving experience.
And we do mean fun. With its new EV powertrain, this bus has way more pep than the original. Zipping up to freeway speeds is effortless when it’s on a full charge—an experience that catches more than a few passengers by surprise. It’s a transformation that stays true to the Kombi’s legacy while making it ready for modern roads.
Key Specifications of the Build
The foundation of this conversion is a 37.8kWh battery pack, made up of six Tesla Model S modules arranged in series. Managed by an Orion BMS 2, the system ensures optimal voltage, temperature control, and built-in safety features. This setup gives the bus more than 75 miles of real-world range on a single charge—perfect for short weekend adventures, coffee runs, or just soaking up the attention this classic draws wherever it goes.
At the heart of the drivetrain is a NetGain HyPer9 HV AC motor, paired with a liquid-cooled HyPer-Drive™ X144 controller. Together, they deliver a smooth, responsive ride with 90kW of peak power and enough torque to make even steep hills feel easy.
What sets this build apart isn’t just the performance, it’s the careful attention to detail. We’ve tucked the NACS (North American Charging Standard) charge port neatly behind the original fuel door, preserving the bus’s clean exterior lines. On the dashboard, a digital fuel gauge now reflects battery charge status, replacing the old analog needle while maintaining the classic layout. An electronic shifter, nestled into the center console, provides an intuitive way to drive without altering the vintage aesthetic.
Every component was installed with minimal intrusion, thanks to careful 3D scanning and packaging that allowed all major systems to fit within the original engine bay. That means the cabin remains exactly as it should—open, functional, and iconic.
A Bus Built to Keep Rolling
There’s something magical about merging past and present in a vehicle like this. It’s not just about clean energy or tech—it’s about preserving stories, style, and experiences. This 1973 Brazilian Bus carries all the personality of its combustion-era counterpart but replaces the leaks, hard starts, and noisy climbs with silence, simplicity, and surprise off-the-line acceleration.
As we see it, conversions like this don’t just restore—they elevate. And for this bus, the road ahead is electric, emission-free, and every bit as iconic.
