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Xbus – described as an ‘urban all-rounder’ – is a modular electric vehicle that can be a minibus, pick-up, van, tipper – or even a campervan
That’s despite an overall length of under 4m and an empty weight of less than 800kg. It is powered by a 15kWh battery, with the possibility of adding exchangeable additional batteries of up to a further 30kWh. Its power output is quoted as 56kW (75bhp).
Meeting the criteria of the L7e-B2 light vehicle class (officially a ‘side-by-side buggy’) means the Xbus must have electric drive, a net weight under 600kg, transport for up to three people and be limited to a top speed of 100km/h (62mph). Whatever the regulations say, this vehicle is certainly cute, with its round headlights giving it a face reminiscent of a VW Type 2 that’s shrunk in the wash.
The camper version has a double bed (2.10m by 1.30m) and a space-saving kitchen that includes a sink, fridge and hotplate, plus a small pop-top to create standing room. There’s even a TV, sound system and fresh water tank, as well as a roof covered with solar panels, which can add up to 200km of range per day!
It has four-wheel drive and a range of approximately 200km is claimed but, with the additional batteries, this can rise to 600km.
A price of £29,727 is quoted for the standard version, rising to £31,946 for the Offroad model with increasing ground clearance and all-terrain tyres.
The Xbus has been in development for over three years, with the first prototype having been shown in July 2020. The first production vehicles are expected to come off the line at Itzehoe in Germany soon, with availability in the UK from early 2024, according to Crown Xbus, the authorised retailer for Greater London.
Ralf Haller, founder of ElectricBrands AG, which is the company behind the Xbus, says,
Looking at the growing congestion on the roads, bigger and bigger cars cannot be the answer. We need smart, versatile, and sustainable concepts that preserve individual mobility and personal lifestyle for all of us – without exhaust emissions, but with comfort, acceptable range and suitable speed. Which is exactly where we're going with the Xbus.
By working with German suppliers and using environmentally friendly production methods and short delivery routes, along with cobalt-free batteries, the lightweight Xbus is said to be climate neutral after less than 10,000km on the road. Then, at the end of its useful life, 98% of its individual parts can be reused.
We achieve this by using unmixed materials and components that can generally be fully recycled. The overall concept is designed to be green from start to finish.
It will be possible to charge the Xbus at virtually any public charging station, or at home. At 220V AC, the charging time is three to five hours. With 11kW Type 2 charging, this time is significantly reduced.
The Xbus can be equipped with additional battery packs. There is room for up to 24 packs in this modular all-rounder. With this, plus the solar power from the roof, the range in urban areas increases to over 600km.
And, if you don't want to lose time recharging on the road, you can swap battery packs at stops along the way. This process takes about as much time as refuelling a combustion engine, its maker states.
Already, ElectricBrands is claiming more than 10,000 advance orders for the Xbus, via over 600 service and sales partners.
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