Return of the Microbus? Volkswagen unveils electric 'hippie bus'

Volkswagen pulled the wraps off its new ID Buzz, electric Microbus.

Volkswagen has pulled the wraps off its ID Buzz: a van the company is billing as a spiritual successor to its iconic Microbus. But while the original "hippie bus" was powered by a tiny four-cylinder engine behind the rear axle, the new one runs entirely on electric power.

Chad Kirchner, editor-in-chief EV Pulse, says despite the retro looks and EV powertrain, the Buzz's main focus is practicality.

"It's designed to be kind of a mainstream people-hauler first. Just with cues to play into that retro appeal of the Microbus," Kirchner said.

Volkswagen introduced the first Microbus, the T1, in 1950. Over the next few decades, the vehicle became synonymous with the "counterculture" movement. Microbuses were often given bright, psychedelic paint jobs, replete with flowers and peace symbols. Type 2s are featured prominently on album covers from Bob Dylan and The Beach Boys, and can easily be spotted in footage from Woodstock. Early Microbuses shared an engine with the VW Beetle of the era. The new Buzz, similarly, shares a powertrain with another VW stablemate.