An original VW Microbus converted from eClassics to EV.

Volkswagen is known to be developing a spiritual successor to the minivan. But thanks to the eClassics company, fans of the original can take a ride in an electric car as well.

German company eClassics made headlines a year ago when it unveiled the original VW Beetle, an EV conversion borrowed from the VW e-Up minicar sold overseas. And now the company has revealed the original T1 Microbus, an electric vehicle conversion based on a fully restored 1966 Samba.

Once again, eClassics used mostly original VW parts for the conversion into an electric vehicle. Power is provided by a single electric motor developing 89 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque. Top speed is 80 mph (148 km/h).

A single-speed automatic transmission is added, and the driver can shift into B for increased brake energy recovery. Like the original bus, the eClassics conversion drives only the rear wheels.

The battery is a 45 kWh lithium-ion unit stored in the floor. In mixed driving mode, the range on a single charge is about 124 miles. Fast charging up to 50 kilowatt-hours allows the battery to be charged to 80% in 40 minutes.

The eClassics doesn't stop there. To support the weight of the additional electronics and improve the bus's handling, the company installed a new multi-link suspension with adjustable shock absorbers and knurled struts at both ends. The braking and steering systems were also upgraded to more modern performance.

eClassics offers T1 conversions, including chassis upgrades, at a price of €64,900 (£69,700). The company also offers conversions for the T2 and T3 generations.

As for the spiritual successor to the VW Microbus, it is due in 2022 and will be part of the ID family of electric vehicles. The vehicle will be built on the VW MEB modular platform and will feature a design that precedes the ID Buzz series of concept cars.