For decades, the Volkswagen Type 2—the beloved "Bus"—has served as a rolling symbol of counterculture, surf-side freedom, and mechanical simplicity. However, the realities of the 21st century have not been kind to these air-cooled relics. With sluggish acceleration, reliability concerns, and the inherent fragility of aging vintage components, the classic VW Bus is increasingly becoming a garage ornament rather than a daily driver.
Enter Kindred Motorworks, a Vallejo, California-based company that has decided to bridge the gap between mid-century nostalgia and modern electric performance. Their latest endeavor, the Kindred EV Bus Tailgate Edition, is not just a restoration; it is a fundamental reimagining of the T2 Transporter, blending the iconic 23-window silhouette with a potent, silent, and reliable electric powertrain. But at a staggering price point of $249,000, one must ask: is this the ultimate preservation of a classic, or an expensive departure from automotive heritage?
The Mission: Industrializing Nostalgia
Kindred Motorworks, founded in 2019, is not a traditional custom shop. Instead, it operates with the precision of a low-volume manufacturer, aiming to "industrialize" the restomod process. By formalizing the way these vehicles are torn down and rebuilt, the company ensures that every unit meeting the road is repeatable, reliable, and backed by factory-style standards.
Greg Clark, Chief Commercial Officer at Kindred Motorworks, frames the project as a necessary intervention. "We modernize and work with vehicles people just adore," Clark explains. "They’re iconic. But they’re dying."
The company’s philosophy is built on the premise that unless these vehicles are given modern mechanical hearts, they will eventually be relegated to museums or junkyards. By replacing temperamental, air-cooled engines with high-capacity lithium-ion batteries and electric motors, Kindred claims they are not destroying the soul of the vehicle, but ensuring its survival for the next generation of enthusiasts.
A Chronology of Electrification
Kindred’s journey into the electric restomod market has been methodical. Since its inception, the company has focused on high-demand, high-sentiment vehicles that define their respective eras:
- 2019: The company is founded with a vision of blending classic aesthetics with sustainable, modern propulsion.
- Fall 2025: The first production-ready EVs hit the market, starting with the vintage Ford Bronco, a rugged icon reimagined for urban and trail use.
- March 2026: Expanding their portfolio, Kindred releases an electric version of the Porsche 911, catering to the air-cooled enthusiast who demands track-ready performance without the carbon footprint.
- Summer 2026: The Volkswagen EV Bus Tailgate Edition makes its debut. Production begins immediately, with the first client units delivered to owners, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history.
Technical Specifications: From Slow to Go
The primary complaint regarding original T2 buses is their performance. With a 0-60 mph time often exceeding 30 seconds and a top cruising speed that barely tickles 55 mph, original buses can be a liability in modern highway traffic.
Kindred’s EV conversion fundamentally alters this dynamic. The Tailgate Edition is powered by a 294-horsepower Direct Drive Electric AC motor. When paired with a single-speed transmission, the bus offers immediate, linear torque that turns the lethargic classic into a surprisingly rapid machine.
Key Performance Metrics:
- Powertrain: 294 HP Direct Drive Electric AC Motor.
- Battery Capacity: 74kWh.
- Range: Approximately 200 miles, depending on driving habits and terrain.
- Charging: Equipped with a 6.6kW on-board charger (Level 1 and 2 compatible) and CCS support for Level 3 DC fast charging.
- Suspension: Independent rear suspension and double-wishbone front suspension, complemented by adjustable coilovers at all four corners.
The Transformation: Beyond the Engine Bay
The build process is exhaustive. Kindred sources non-23-window donor buses and performs a total structural renovation, transforming them into the highly coveted "Deluxe" 23-window configuration. The exterior is treated to a suite of modern upgrades that maintain the vintage look while enhancing safety and utility:
- Aesthetics: Sliding ragtop roofs, safari-style split windshields, and slim Euro-style bumpers.
- Lighting: Modern, high-output LED lighting systems.
- Interior: Bespoke leather upholstery, bamboo accents, and a 180-degree rotating passenger seat.
- Modern Amenities: A touchscreen multimedia center with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a high-fidelity HVAC system (including air conditioning), and USB-C charging points throughout the cabin.
Driving Impressions: A Time Capsule with a Modern Pulse
Driving the Kindred EV Bus is a study in contrasts. When you step inside, the upright, bus-like seating position and the massive, thin steering wheel immediately transport you to 1960s California. The visibility—unobstructed by the thick pillars of modern SUVs—remains one of the vehicle’s greatest assets.
However, the "clatter" of the air-cooled flat-four engine is gone, replaced by the faint, futuristic whir of an electric drivetrain. The acceleration is the most jarring change; a vehicle once known for "trudging" up hills now pulls with authority from a dead stop.
While the prototype tested by our team showed a few "first-batch" quirks—such as wind noise from the thin window frames and a few creaks from the prototype suspension—the overall experience is one of pure joy. It is a vehicle that functions as a magnet for positive attention, drawing thumbs-ups and smiles from pedestrians and other motorists alike.
The Purist’s Dilemma: Does It Still Count?
The $249,000 price tag is perhaps the most divisive aspect of the Kindred project. To put that in perspective, that is the cost of a luxury home in several U.S. markets. For traditionalists like Jeff Zurschmeide, a long-time VW aficionado and automotive journalist, the modification represents a complex trade-off.
"I love my original 1971 Type 2 for its utility and its silky-smooth ride," Zurschmeide notes. He questions the necessity of the conversion, arguing that since most vintage buses are driven fewer than 500 miles a year, the carbon offset of an EV conversion is negligible. He also expresses concern about the chassis: "If you replace the engine and driveline with electric, it’s difficult not to overpower the brakes and suspension."
Conversely, others see it as the only way forward. Harry Danburg, a 73-year-old owner of a 1970 Kombi, acknowledges that while he would never electrify his own vehicle, he respects the technology. "For me, it’s a throwback to the cars I liked as a kid," Danburg says. "I feel like I’m off on an adventure whenever I go to the store."
Implications for the Future of Restomods
Kindred Motorworks is betting that there is a large enough market of high-net-worth individuals who want the "cool factor" of a classic vehicle without the "headache" of vintage maintenance. By offering a one-year factory warranty, no oil leaks, and the ability to charge at a modern CCS station, Kindred is effectively selling a lifestyle product disguised as a collector’s car.
The company plans to cap production at 12 buses for the current year, ensuring exclusivity while they refine the manufacturing process. As the automotive world moves inevitably toward electrification, Kindred’s model provides a blueprint for how other classic marques might survive.
Conclusion: Is It Worth the Cost?
The Kindred EV Bus is not a replacement for a budget-friendly restoration project; it is a premium luxury experience. It offers the rare opportunity to own a vehicle that feels like an artifact of a bygone era, yet drives like a modern, reliable, and punchy daily commuter.
For those who view the original air-cooled engine as the "heart" of the VW Bus, the Kindred conversion will always be a step too far. But for those who value the aesthetics, the history, and the sheer cultural magnetism of the T2, the ability to drive one without the fear of a roadside breakdown is a luxury that, for some, is well worth the quarter-million-dollar investment.
Kindred Motorworks has managed to create a paradox: a vehicle that is at once entirely new and perfectly old. In the process, they haven’t just saved a few buses from the junkyard—they’ve redefined what it means to own a classic.
