Almost a year ago, Electric Brands unveiled the eBussy in a series of renderings and now the German company is back with a fully working prototype called the XBUS ahead of the 2022 market launch. This lightweight electric vehicle with a highly configurable modular body measures 3,640 x 1,600 x 1,940 mm and is classified as an L7e-B2 class quadricycle. As such, the XBUS’s payload is limited to 450-600 kg for freight transport. However, thanks to the electric powertrain and the boxy shape it can fit up to four passengers and their luggage.
The best feature of the XBUS is the 10 modular and interchangeable bodies transforming it to a passenger van, panel van, box van, pickup, wagon pickup, convertible, and camping bus. The latter has an expandable roof and rear panel in order to accommodate a double bed in its wooden-finished cabin. All versions are also available in off-road specification with all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance to go with the all-wheel drive.
The clever design makes it easy to fit different types of body panels at the back while retaining the cute flat face characterized by a long front overhang and a set of high-positioned round LED headlights. Inside, the dashboard is equally minimalistic with touchscreen infotainment, two speakers USB slots, and not much else, with most of the buttons, including those for the transmission, located on the steering wheel. The XBUS comes standard with a 10 kWh battery, allowing for a range of 200 km. However, if that doesn’t sound enough, there is an optional 30 kWh battery upgrade which will increase the electric range to an impressive 600 km together with the optional solar modules.
The permanent four-wheel-drive electric drivetrain consists of four hub motors producing a combined 20 hp of continuous power and a peak of 75 hp. This may not sound much but the XBUS has a torque of over 1,000 Nm. Despite weighing under 600 kg, the XBUS can carry up to 1,000 kg of cargo matching the capabilities of the European 1-tonne pickup segment (Ford Ranger, VW Amarok, etc).
Pricing in Germany starts from € 18,070 (US$ 21,431) for the cheapest LCV derivative all the way up to € 32,370 (US$ 38,392) for the off-road camper. You can create your own combination in Electric Brand’s official configurator. If everything goes according to plan, production will commence in mid-2022 in Itzehoe, Germany.
