The Xbus electric car is quite unique given that more than ten modular and interchangeable bodies can be fitted onto two chassis variants. This way, the car can be transformed into a convertible, off-road vehicle, cargo van, station wagon, pickup truck or camper van in just a few steps.
Electric Brands
The car also has other special features. For example, the unladen weight (the car without batteries, cargo and superstructure) is only between 450 and 600 kilograms, depending on the chassis type. This is hardly a constraint on the car’s load capacity. The car is capable of carrying 1,000 kilograms of cargo. Solar panels are also mounted on the roof.
The maximum range without recharging, with a full battery and solar panels, amounts to over 600 kilometers. “With its permanent, electronically controlled all-wheel drive, over 1000 Nm of torque and its app-controlled communication system, as well as other optional features such as air conditioning and digital exterior mirrors, the XBUS sets new standards not only as a light vehicle,” according to the text on the website of Electric Brands. This is the name of the company that markets Xbus. The car was presented on this site this week.
Dealer netwerk
Three years were spent working on the development of the car. Production is set to begin next year. This will be done in a dedicated production center in Itzehoe, 50 kilometers north of Hamburg, Germany. Distribution is already in full swing and cars are being sold via the internet. According to the company, 9,000 units have already been commissioned through advance orders. There is also a dealer network. The price fo an Xbus starts at 18,000 euros, including VAT.
According to its specifications, the Xbus belongs in the L7e vehicle category. That’s the category for quadricycles with an empty mass not exceeding 400 kg and with a net maximum power output not exceeding 15 kW. How this reconciles with the stated empty mass and electric power is not known.
The design and concept of the Xbus is reminiscent of the American Canoo, which will be manufacturing its cars in the Netherlands.