The $249,000 Price Tag: A Complete Transformation
The $249,000 cost for a Kindred Motorworks VW Bus restomod encompasses a full conversion from a non-23-window donor T2 to the iconic Deluxe 23-window model. This transformation includes sliding ragtop and safari windshields, extensive rust remediation, and the installation of a 294-horsepower Direct Drive Electric AC motor paired with a 74kWh battery delivering around 200 miles of range. Modern amenities such as custom leather seating, a 180-degree rotating passenger seat, and a touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay are standard. Founded in 2019, Kindred Motorworks has industrialized this labor-intensive process to ensure repeatability, adding features like adjustable coilover suspension, LED lighting, and a one-year factory warranty. Each bus is built one VIN at a time, with only 12 planned for this year, offering buyers a rare opportunity to own a drivable icon with vintage appeal and contemporary electric performance.
23-Window Icon: From Donor to Deluxe
Kindred Motorworks sources non-23-window Volkswagen T2 buses and meticulously transforms them into the coveted Deluxe 23-window version. The conversion involves comprehensive rust remediation, structural enhancements, and the installation of bubble windows, a sliding ragtop roof, safari-style split windshields, slim Euro bumpers, and modern LED lighting. This labor-intensive process is formalized by Kindred to be repeatable, with each bus built one VIN at a time. Due to the meticulous craftsmanship required, production is limited to just 12 buses this year, ensuring exclusivity. The restoration preserves the classic charm of the 1960s and '70s while equipping each bus with an electric drivetrain for modern performance. By rescuing these vehicles from the graveyard, Kindred not only preserves automotive history but also offers enthusiasts a rare, handcrafted vehicle that bridges past and present, with the first production unit already delivered to its owner.
Electric Muscle: 294 Horsepower and 200-Mile Range
The heart of the Kindred EV Bus is a 294-horsepower Direct Drive Electric AC motor paired with a single-speed transmission, powered by a 74kWh battery that provides approximately 200 miles of range depending on driving habits. Charging options include a 6.6kW on-board charger supporting 120V and 240V, plus Level 3 DC fast-charging via a CCS plug for public stations. This setup delivers substantial thrust, a stark contrast to original gas-powered variants with double-digit horsepower and a 0-60 time around 30 seconds. In practice, the electric powertrain allows the bus to accelerate rapidly and cruise comfortably at highway speeds, eliminating the struggles of climbing inclines with hazard lights. The system operates near-silently at low speeds, and there are no oil leaks or starting worries. Owners can charge at home overnight or utilize fast-charging for quicker stops during longer journeys.
Inside the Time Capsule: Modern Comforts in a Classic Body
The interior of the Kindred EV Bus is a blend of retro charm and modern convenience, featuring custom leather upholstery and wraparound lounge seating that invites socializing. The 180-degree rotating front passenger seat allows for flexible configurations, making it ideal for gatherings or relaxation. A state-of-the-art touchscreen multimedia center supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the HVAC system with AC provides reliable climate control. Additional amenities include an adjustable and removable table, bamboo accents that add a natural touch, a backup camera for safer reversing, and USB-C charging ports for device power. Storage is thoughtful but limited, with a roof-mounted 'glovebox', a concealed rear compartment, and a narrow open shelf under the dash. While up-front storage is minimal, the interior's design prioritizes style and functionality, ensuring every drive feels both classic and contemporary.
On the Road: From Snail to Speedster
Driving the Kindred EV Bus feels like stepping into a time capsule with modern performance. The original VW T2's sluggish 0-60 time of about 30 seconds is replaced by rapid acceleration, allowing it to cruise effortlessly on highways without the struggles of gas-powered models. The bus features independent rear suspension, double wishbone front suspension, and adjustable coilovers at all four corners, handling like a much-improved old-school vehicle. Steering is taut with an original-style large wheel, and visibility is excellent through every window, a rarity in today's cars. The EV system operates near-silently at low speeds, contrasting with the clatter of air-cooled engines. On the road, the bus surprises with its pep and compliance, and the upright seating position and intuitive floor shifter add to the experience. The brakes are far better than the drum brakes of yesteryear.
Not Perfect: Wind Noise and Limited Storage
The Kindred EV Bus, while exhilarating, comes with quirks inherent to its vintage design. Wind noise through the thin window frames is very loud, a consequence of preserving the classic aesthetic, though it doesn't overshadow the sunshine-filled fun of driving. The prototype's suspension creaked noticeably, but engineers indicate this is due to incomplete tuning, with production models expected to have a more refined ride. Interior storage is limited, featuring a cubby and dual cupholder behind the driver's seat, a small concealed compartment, and a roof-mounted glovebox. Up-front storage is minimal, consisting only of a narrow open shelf under the dash, which may require creative packing solutions. These aspects reflect the balance between originality and modern usability, reminding drivers of the bus's heritage while offering a unique driving experience.
Enthusiast Divide: Purists vs. Modernizers
Classic VW enthusiasts hold mixed views on electrifying the T2. Jeff Zurschmeide, a seasoned automotive journalist and owner of a 1971 Type 2 Panel Van, loves his original for its utility, fun-to-drive demeanor, and smooth ride. He argues that electrification could overpower the brakes and suspension, and for vehicles used only 500 miles a year, it's a waste of battery and motor resources. Harry Danburg, owner of a 1970 Volkswagen Kombi Bus, would never electrify his bus due to potential serviceability issues, though he acknowledges that electric cars were common in the early days of the automobile. These perspectives highlight the tension between preserving authenticity and embracing modernization. Purists value the mechanical connection and character of the air-cooled engine, while modernizers appreciate the reliability and performance of electric power.
From Graveyard to Glory: Industrializing Restoration
Kindred Motorworks began in 2019 with the goal of rescuing Volkswagen T2 buses from decline by standardizing the restoration process. The company launched with vintage Ford Broncos in fall 2025, followed by Porsche 911 EVs in March 2026, and now produces the VW EV Bus Tailgate Edition. Each bus is sourced from the graveyard and given new life through comprehensive electric conversions, ensuring these classics survive. The labor-intensive process includes rust remediation and transformation into Deluxe 23-window models, executed with precision to ensure repeatability. Kindred's industrialized method sets it apart from informal restorations, offering a structured approach to modernizing iconic vehicles. The first production unit has been delivered, and the company plans to ramp up production after an initial run of 12 buses this year.
The Ultimate Head-Turner: Smiles and Peace Signs Everywhere
Piloting the Kindred EV Bus elicits strong public reactions; during test drives in California, people waved, gave thumbs-up, and even flashed peace signs. The bright yellow prototype, with its cheerful classic design and 23-window configuration, turns heads across ages, genders, and cultural demographics. This social appeal is a huge part of the bus's charm, creating 'smiles for miles' and making drivers feel like celebrities. Unlike modern vehicles, the Kindred EV Bus bridges eras, appealing to both nostalgia seekers and tech enthusiasts with its blend of vintage style and electric efficiency. Its presence on the road is a reminder of simpler times, enhanced by the quiet operation at slow speeds and rapid acceleration that surprises onlookers. In one memorable instance, a motorcyclist nearly fell off his Harley shouting his love for the bus, underscoring its undeniable allure.
