# Electric Microbus Designs The Environmentally Made-Over VW Minibus is Hitting the Road in 2022 By Alyson Wyers | Published 2017-09-28 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-microbus References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/395152/The-Volkswagen-Hippie-Bus-Is-Making-An-Electric-Comeback/) & [newsroom.vw](http://newsroom.vw.com/vehicles/future-cars/official-the-vw-bus-is-back-and-its-electric/) The iconic [VW](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/porsche-x-vw-renndienst-idbuzz-bus) bus, beloved by hippies the world over, is getting an eco makeover as [Volkswagen](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alpincamper) announced the electric microbus will be hitting US, Chinese and European markets in 2022. The production version of the award-winning ID Buzz Concept will be a fully electric and fully connected electric vehicle. The future car will be "designed to recall the original Type 2 Minibus without mimicking it." The electric microbus will feature a light strip that enhances the two-tone bodywork that made the original so memorable. The LED headlights will have eye-like hexagons pieces in order to "communicate the vehicle's status." The eight seater offers tons of room for passengers and a front trunk, but with the carbon footprint of a mid-size car. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 68% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Transportation](https://www.trendhunter.com/transportation) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Electric Microbuses:** Companies can invest in creating eco-friendly and connected electric microbus models to meet the rising demand for carbon-neutral transportation options. - **Connected Vehicles:** Businesses can explore developing fully connected electric vehicles with features such as LED headlights and light strips that enhances their overall appeal and functionality. - **Reviving Iconic Vehicles:** Businesses can bring back beloved classic cars while modernizing and making them eco-friendly, thus catering to both older and newer customers' preferences. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Automotive Industry:** The automotive industry can lead the way in producing eco-friendly vehicles while leveraging technology and design to create modernized and connected versions that cater to the younger generation. - **Transportation Industry:** The transportation industry built on car-sharing services can invest in eco-friendly microbuses to cater to commuters looking for a green and cost-effective travel option. - **Tourism Industry:** The tourism industry can explore integrating eco-friendly electric microbuses into their transportation services to offer tourists a more sustainable way to explore popular destinations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [All-Electric Camper Van Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alpincamper.md) - [Retro-Style Electric Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/porsche-x-vw-renndienst-idbuzz-bus.md) - [Electric Microbus Charity Auctions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/id-buzz-virtual-auction.md) - [Retro Electric Buggies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meyers-manx-ev.md) - [Production-Ready Robotic Taxis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/id-buzz-ad.md) - [Compact Electric Campers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-camper.md) - [Sci-Fi Electric Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-van.md) - [Electric Mini Camper Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2cv.md) - [Yellow Camouflage Electric Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2025-Mini-Countryman-SUV.md)