eBussy Now Goes By XBUS, But All Cool Features Remain
The versatile, cute XBUS is a great example of the exploding creativity in the EV space.
As EV companies continue to proliferate, the playbook for what an
electric vehicle
is or should be has been torn up. We’re seeing everything from tough mudder pickups to three-wheel speedsters
, all powered by electricity. For anyone who wants their electricity with a side of microbus, but doesn’t want to wait around for Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz to come out, there is another way. Meet the XBUS, a versatile (and adorable) option for carting people and things around sans gas.
The XBUS: Bad name, great car
The XBUS is built by German firm ElectricBrands, which initially decided to call its creation the eBussy.
MotorTrend
has a good time with that one, and they have a point—it just doesn’t scream “take me seriously,” even if it’s supposed to be sort of an acronym for “electric bus system.” Luckily, ElectricBrands rebranded, and the XBUS lives. Skinny and square, with an approachable portable coffee mug aesthetic, the XBUS boasts remarkable range.
Top Gear
notes that it can go up to almost 500 miles on a full battery, with help from some solar panels. Perhaps more impressively, the XBUS sports a shocking 737 lb-ft of torque. For reference, the 2022 Ferrari 812 GTS has 529 lb-ft of torque. To be fair, though, the XBUS tops out somewhere in the 60-odd miles per hour, and the Ferrari can go three times that without breaking a sweat. Still, not too shabby for an electric microbus.
Putting the fun in function
The XBUS more than holds its own in the range and battery categories, but it punches above its weight in a key area: versatility. The XBUS can be converted into pretty much any configuration you can think of, all of which can be toggled between standard and off-road. ElectricBrands calls these modes base, pickup, pickup bus, camper, cabrio, box, bus, tipper, and transporter.
MotorTrend compares these switcheroos to playing with Legos, and the makers of XBUS seem to agree, claiming that any changes can be completed in under an hour. Need to carry more stuff? Add on that trunk module and you’re off to the races.
ElectricBrands also prides itself on its sustainability. Solar panels cover the roof of the XBUS, and whenever you’re sick of driving the thing, you can recycle 95% of it. Plus, knowing you can make your little pickup into a camper at a moment’s notice might mean turning down that second car. Versatility and sustainability, hand in hand.
Saving on your EV’s insurance
The XBUS is currently taking pre-orders, and the number currently stands just above 15,000. European markets will be the first to get a look at this palatable pickup, but North Americans will theoretically get a chance to enjoy the cute, fun former eBussy sometime in 2022. Don’t forget to make your reservation.
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