12/08/2022 Share this story Share on Facebook icon Share on Twitter icon Share on Pinterest icon Share on Linked In icon Share via Email icon

New tiny electric campervan coming from Germany

0360e7c4-6bfb-4302-b030-ddba5dafc9c2

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.


Where did the Xbus come from?

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.

Ralf adds,

 

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.


 

Get MMM for just £29.99 a year!

test banner
special offer banner

MMM is Britain’s best-selling motorhome magazine and it has been for over 55 years. Each four-weekly issue is packed with the best motorhome travel features, genuine reader reviews of campsites, in-depth motorhome reviews, plus the latest technical advice, buying tips and much more.

MMM’s fully searchable digital library gives you access to the latest issues, plus every edition of MMM since January 2012.


Expert motorhome advice to your door!

Why not subscribe to one of our fabulous magazines and get expert advice, travel ideas, technical help and all the latest news for your motorhome and your motorhome adventures!

MMM Motorhomers' Magazine

Want to know more about MMM magazine?

Every month MMM has articles written by motorhomers who have been there and done it, from great UK and European (and further afield) tours, campsite reviews, owners' reports and DIY projects among other things.

MMM's tests, reviews and expert buying guides are not to be missed. MMM's technical advice is a must and includes everything from weekend jobs to longer-term DIY projects. And much more!

About MMM magazine  
What Motorhome Magazine

Want to know more about What Motorhome magazine?

Every issue of What Motorhome magazine provides essential buying advice for anyone looking to buy a new motorhome or campervan or upgrade their existing model. With a pedigree of over 30 years of offering the best motorhome and campervan buying advice, every issue of What Motorhome includes more new motorhome and campervan reviews than you will find in any other magazine.

About What Motorhome  
Campervan Magazine

Want to know more about Campervan magazine?

Campervan is the exciting monthly magazine that will give you all the inspiration you need to explore the world in your campervan. Every issue is packed with real-life campervanning experiences, inspiring travel ideas in the UK and further afield, the best campsites to stay on, campervan road tests and reviews of the latest models, and much more!

About Campervan magazine  

News

12/08/2022 Share this story Share on Facebook icon Share on Twitter icon Share on Pinterest icon Share on Linked In icon Share via Email icon

Recent Updates

See what Eura Mobil has in store for motorhomes in 2025 ...


Eriba campervans: 2025 Essential Guide

See what Eriba has in store for campervans in 2025 ...


Laika: 2025 Essential Guide

See what Laika has in store for motorhomes and campervans in 2025 ...


Hymer: 2025 Essential Guide

See what Hymer has in store for motorhomes and campervans in 2025 ...


Sunlight: 2025 Essential Guide

See what Sunlight has in store for motorhomes and campervans in 2025 ...


Xplore campervans: 2025 Essential Guide

See what Xplore has in store for campervans in 2025 ...


Rimor motorhomes: 2025 Essential Guide

See what Rimor has in store for motorhomes in 2025 ...


Save 35% on a subscription in our digital sale!

Subscribe to MMM or Campervan for just £25.99 for a full year of digital magazines, saving 35% on your annual ...


July 2024 MMM competition winners

Here's a list of winners for the July 2024 MMM puzzles and competition ...


June 2024 MMM competition winners

Here's a list of winners for the June 2024 MMM puzzles ...


Other News

Are you getting lost when reviewing insurance options? Our annual survey separates the best from the worst, with plenty of case studies to help you ...


Fiat announces details of new Ducato automatic

New Fiat Ducato will offer all-new eight-speed automatic gearbox for motorhomes and campervans ...


Volkswagen reveals all-new California campervan

Volkswagen's iconic California campervan gets a completely new look as VW holds the world premiere of the new ...


Dolphin Motorhomes to host open weekend in April

Enjoy special offers on superb campervans and motorhomes, including the brand-new Swift Trekker and Trekker ...


Motorhome and campervan stopover trialled in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire County Council has approved a trial scheme to provide overnight stopovers for motorhomes and ...


A spotlight on Lamilux, the brand shielding your motorhome from UV damage

Here, we take a deep dive on the German brand engineering the high-tech and award-winning materials for ...


January 2024 MMM competition winners

Here's a list of winners for the January 2024 MMM puzzles and competition ...


New Swift campervan for 2024: Full details revealed

This exciting new campervan showcases some clever details and a fresh new design from Swift ...


Behind the motorhome scenes: Laika SpA interview

We talk to Michel Vuillermoz, Head of Product Management, Laika Caravans S.p.A about the new direction it is ...


Campervan converter spotlight: Spartan Campers

We meet the owners of Midlands-based campervan converter, Spartan Campers, and find out what makes them tick ...