A 450HP Electric VW Bus That Breaks All the Rules

A 450HP Electric VW Bus That Breaks All the Rules

Few vehicles are as universally loved as the Volkswagen Type 1 Bus. Whether you call it the bus, the Microbus, or the Transporter, this rolling symbol of freedom and adventure has been a staple of surf culture, road trips, and rebellious countercultures since the 1950s. But while its unmistakable shape has aged like fine wine, its original air-cooled flat-four engine—a relic of post-war simplicity—left much to be desired in terms of performance and reliability.

Fast-forward to today, and the once-humble VW bus has been reimagined for the modern era, not just by Volkswagen themselves with the ID. Buzz, but also by one of the most legendary tuners in the game: Bisimoto Engineering. If you know anything about Bisi Ezerioha, you know he doesn’t do things by halves. A mechanical engineer and all-around horsepower junkie, Bisi made his name pushing Hondas and Porsches to outrageous limits, with builds that consistently defy expectations. Now, he’s turned his attention to electric power, and his 1965 Volkswagen Type 1 Bus is proof that the future of performance is shockingly silent.

From Sluggish to Speed Demon

To appreciate just how much of a transformation this bus has undergone, it’s worth revisiting what made the original so special—and so slow. Introduced in the 1950s, the VW Bus was designed as a simple, practical workhorse, using the same air-cooled, rear-mounted engine as the Beetle. With power figures ranging from 24 to 50 horsepower, acceleration was more of a suggestion than an expectation. The top speed barely cracked 65 mph, and steep hills often required downshifting to second gear just to keep moving.

But despite its lack of speed, the Type 1 Bus became an enduring cultural icon. Surfers strapped their boards to the roof and cruised the California coast, hippies painted them in psychedelic colors for cross-country road trips, and families turned them into campers for endless summer adventures. It wasn’t about speed—it was about the vibe.

That is, until Bisimoto got his hands on one. Gone are the days of struggling to merge onto the freeway. In place of the VW’s original underpowered engine, Bisimoto has installed a 335 kW (449 HP) single-drive custom AC 3-phase induction motor, turning what was once a rolling roadblock into a performance machine. Paired with liquid cooling and a 403-volt system, this is a quantum leap forward from the original, spinning up to an insane 18,500 RPM redline.

Of course, raw power is only part of the equation. To ensure that this EV bus drives as good as it looks, Bisimoto has incorporated some of the best high-tech components available. The AEM VCU200 Controller integrates a CANBUS digital system, providing real-time data through a sleek AEM dash that looks right at home in the vintage interior. A set of custom analog-style digital gauges preserves that old-school feel while offering cutting-edge functionality.

The original 1965 Volkswagen Type 1 Bus wasn’t exactly built for speed. With a factory 0-60 mph time measured in minutes rather than seconds—often over 30 seconds depending on load and incline—it was never about winning races. But Bisimoto completely flips the script, slashing that glacial acceleration time to an estimated sub-5 seconds, rivaling modern sports cars while retaining its vintage charm.  Of course, power means nothing without range, and this build delivers. With dual Bisimoto battery boxes housing LG Chem 32 kWh packs, the total 64 kWh capacity allows for 120 to 150 miles of range per charge, depending on driving conditions. Whether cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway or making a stop at a local cars-and-coffee event, the fast-charging CHAdeMO port ensures minimal downtime, bringing this bus back to full power in no time.

While the powertrain steals the spotlight, the attention to design is just as meticulous. The project was brought to life in collaboration with Chris Funch Design, whose expertise helped preserve the essence of the classic VW Bus while seamlessly integrating modern electric components.

Not Just a Straight-Line Rocket

Unlike traditional rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive VW buses—which often feel more like boats than road vehicles—Bisimoto’s version is engineered for balance, comfort, and sharp handling. The suspension is a custom setup featuring an AccuAir Ultimate Air Suspension Package, installed by AirRide Equipment, providing an adjustable ride height for optimal performance – and style. Whether slammed for shows or raised for cruising, this air suspension transforms the ride dynamics. Cooling is handled by a CSF rear radiator, keeping temperatures in check for the motor, inverter, and transaxle. A Bisimoto custom gear actuator ensures smooth operation, delivering power efficiently without the jerky shifts of old-school transmissions. Wrapping it all together, Toyo Proxes R888R tires (205/40ZR17) provide the necessary grip to harness all 449 horsepower while maintaining the classic stance of the bus.

Why an Electric Bus Just Makes Sense

For decades, driving a vintage VW Bus meant embracing its quirks—slow acceleration, questionable reliability, and constant tinkering to keep the air-cooled engine alive. But Bisimoto’s electrified version eliminates all of these drawbacks while enhancing everything that makes the bus legendary.

An electric drivetrain means instant torque, no overheating, no oil leaks, and no carburetors to adjust! The serene, whisper-quiet ride allows for enjoying the journey without the constant roar of an overworked flat-four engine. And with the instant response of an electric motor, there’s no more praying for momentum on hills—this thing simply goes. Even Volkswagen themselves recognized the appeal of an electric bus, leading to the development of the long awaited ID. Buzz, a modern reimagining of the classic Microbus, packed with EV tech, safety features, and everyday practicality. But while the ID. Buzz is a mass-market product, Bisimoto’s one-of-one creation is a true enthusiast’s dream machine.

Hidden Bisimoto battery boxes house LG Chem 32 kWh battery packs, delivering instant torque and impressive range for this retro masterpiece.

Toyo Proxes R888R performance tires (205/40ZR17) provide the grip needed to handle all 449 HP without sacrificing ride comfort.

Its original air-cooled flat-four engine—a relic of post-war simplicity—left much to be desired in terms of performance and reliability.

SPECS

Bisimoto 1965 Volkswagen Type 1 Bus

Base Vehicle
& Chassis

Model: 1965 Volkswagen Type 1 Bus

Builder: Bisimoto Engineering

Design Collaboration: Chris Funch Design

Body: Classic VW Type 1 Bus with modern EV conversion

Chassis: Modified original VW Bus frame, reinforced for EV powertrain

Electric Powertrain

Motor: Custom AC 3-phase induction motor

Output: 335 kW (449 HP)

Cooling: Liquid-cooled system

Voltage: 403V architecture

Redline: 18,500 RPM

Power Controller: AEM VCU200 with CANBUS integration

Dash Interface: AEM digital dash with custom CANBUS analog-style gauges

Battery & Charging

Battery Type: LG Chem 32 kWh battery packs

Battery Configuration: Dual Bisimoto battery boxes

Total Battery Capacity: 64 kWh

Charging Port: CHAdeMO fast charging with J1772 standard compatibility

Fast Charging Capabilities: Rapid charging for minimal downtime

Suspension
& Handling

Air Suspension System: AccuAir Ultimate Air Suspension Package

Installation: AirRide Equipment

Adjustability: Fully adjustable ride height for stance or comfort

Ride Dynamics: Improved handling and modern ride comfort

Braking & Cooling

Brakes: Upgraded modern disc brakes for enhanced stopping power

Cooling System: CSF rear radiator for motor, inverter, and transaxle cooling

Thermal Management: Efficient liquid-cooling system to maintain optimal operating temperatures

Wheels & Tires

Wheel Brand: Custom multi-piece forged wheels

Front & Rear Tires: Toyo Proxes R888R (205/40ZR17)

Grip & Performance: High-performance tires for optimal traction and handling

Drivetrain & Transmission

Transmission: Custom Bisimoto gear actuator for smooth EV power delivery

Drive Layout: Rear-wheel drive (RWD), maintaining the spirit of the original bus

Performance Focus: Engineered for both daily driving and performance capability

Interior & Technology

Dashboard: AEM digital dash with integrated EV performance readouts

Gauges: Custom CANBUS analog-style gauges, preserving the classic VW look

HVAC: Optional high-voltage electric climate control system

Infotainment: Custom setup designed for modern usability without losing the vintage aesthetic

Performance & Driving Characteristics

0-60 mph: Estimated under 5 seconds (compared to the original’s sluggish 30+ seconds)

Top Speed: Significantly higher than the factory 65 mph limit, with effortless highway cruising

Instant Torque: Dramatic performance improvement over the original air-cooled flat-four engine

Range: Estimated 120-150 miles per charge, depending on driving conditions

Photos by Jerome Andre