Energy transition on wheels: Osnabrück student transforms van into solar camper

Energy transition on wheels: Osnabrück student transforms van into solar camper

Who would have thought that a 50-year-old VW Bulli could be transformed into a modern electric vehicle? Max Heermann-Többenotke, a 20-year-old mechanical engineering student at Osnabrück University, did exactly that in a four-month project. He not only converted his van to electric drive, but also retrofitted it with a solar roof, which enables it to cover up to 150 kilometers per day using only the power of the sun. As NDR reports, this conversion is a real matter of the heart for Max, who already has experience with converting Electrically powered bicycles and tractors.

Originally from California, the Bulli was not roadworthy for 20 years and used to require 12 to 15 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. But now it hums along the streets with a consumption of just 20 to 22 kilowatt hours of electricity. “The idea of ​​installing solar panels came to me spontaneously,” says Max about his motivation to be independent of charging stations. He successfully passed his TÜV inspection and was even able to travel to Croatia, during which he covered over 3,000 kilometers. Along the way, he even ran a refrigerator and a hot air fryer using solar energy.

Classic car in a new look

Such conversion projects are not only a trend among young hobbyists, but are also attracting the interest of collectors and classic car enthusiasts. Uwe Koenzen, engineer and serial entrepreneur from the Rhineland, has a large collection of historic vehicles, including a Lancia Aurelia and a Jaguar E-Type. His latest project is a converted 1981 Porsche 911 SC known as the e01. This conversion leads to a significant change: the classic combustion engine has been replaced by a powerful battery pack, which also fundamentally changes the driving experience, as DW highlights.

Koenzen is convinced of the electrification of classic cars, even if the discussion about it is sometimes controversial. Some classic vehicle enthusiasts fear the loss of historical value, while others see the benefits of retrofitting. One of the main attractions is the ability to drive in environmental zones and the often increased longevity of the vehicles due to lower maintenance requirements. A conversion kit for classic cars is also very popular and costs from 75,000 euros.

Tradition meets innovation

The challenge of preserving the historical character of vehicles meets the need for sustainable mobility. More and more classic car owners are opting for electrification in order to combine the charm of their beloved cars with modern drive options. This is particularly emphasized in eMobil-Magazin, where the advantages of electrification such as increased value and high suitability for everyday use are highlighted. E-vintage cars are not only allowed to drive in environmental zones, they also ensure that the historical automobile culture is not lost.

This ensures the use of historically significant vehicles in the future, which not only benefits the vehicle owners but also the environment. The charming VW Bulli by Max Heermann-Többenotke and the latest brood by Uwe Koenzen impressively show how tradition and modernity can merge harmoniously and thus shape the mobility of tomorrow.