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Handful of vintage Volkswagens could return with an electric twist

We've already seen VW and eClassics create vintage cars with modern, electric hearts, and new trademarks suggest we're in for more.

Volkswagen e-Bulli
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Volkswagen e-Bulli

The e-Bulli is one of two classic VWs brought back to life, and it sounds like we're in for more.

Volkswagen

Think of it as a futuristic engine swap: taking the internal-combustion engine out and plopping in an electric motor and battery. It's not anything new, but more companies and automakers are starting to give the idea a closer look.

That includes , which continues to work with a European specialist by the name of eClassics to fit some of its classic cars with electric powertrains. The work's been successful, if a slew of new trademark filings end up translating to even more classic VWs with electric running gear.

Autocar reported Monday that Volkswagen had trademarked three new names that could indicate future electric conversions to come. The names Classic, e-Samba and e-Kubel all showed up in filings across the pond. The Golf Classic likely refers to some of the earliest Golf models VW produced, and even if you don't know the Samba by name, you know it when you see it. It's the groovy bus VW built decades ago. The Kubel almost certainly refers to the Kubelwagen used during World War II.

VW didn't immediately return a request for comment on the filings, but the company adding the three models doesn't seem too far-fetched. The automaker and eClassics already brought the e-Beetle and e-Bulli to life, based on the classic and the Type 2 VW bus. Even better, the partnership lets owners of the newly converted cars receive support and service from VW dealerships.

We'll have to wait and see if the classic VW cars rwill eceive new life in the blossoming electric-car era.

Volkswagen E-Bulli is a graceful take on an EV conversion

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Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.

Article updated on August 3, 2020 at 10:44 AM PDT

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Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
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