A group of students from various programs at Georgian College in Barrie, along with some staff, have shown a broken down classic camper that had been manufactured to operate with gas can be jolted to work again when powered by electricity.
The students and staff took a 1972 Volkswagen Westfalia and gave it new life by retrofitting it into an electric vehicle, along with a spiffy new interior and outdoor exterior, as part of a project to show the changing nature of the automotive industry, in particular sustainability.
The van was unveiled at Georgian College’s Automotive Business School of Canada annual Auto Show in June. Heavy rain fell during the reveal, but it did not dampen the spirits of all involved.
“This has certainly been an adventure for us,” said Rebecca Sabourin, Dean of Engineering and Environmental Technologies at Georgian. “Today marks a significant milestone as we unveil a remarkable achievement, a collaborative effort between our Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC), the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council, Ideal Supply and the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists.
“Together we have breathed new life into a classic camper van, rescuing it from a hunk of a junk with a motorless engine and turning it into an innovative conversion. The project has been an absolute labour of love, combining the expert use of our partners with the incredible efforts of Georgian College faculty, support staff and students from a range of programs, including engineering and skilled trades, interior design and other departments.”
Sabourin lauded the amount of collaboration and teamwork involved in the project.
“This revitalized van is not just a vehicle, it embodies our commitment to sustainability, innovation and the preservation of automotive heritage,” Sabourin said. “By integrating state-of-the-art electric powertrains and innovative battery management systems, we have transformed a vintage icon into a symbol of the future of transportation.”
Ron Sky, Professor Engineering and Environmental Technologies at Georgian College and the Project Manager, developed the idea after talking to a friend from another faculty who had a VW van that had engine trouble. Sky suggested converting the van into an EV. Sabourin mentioned the idea to ABSC Executive Director Jason Dale. Both are VW afficionados.
Sabourin mentioned the idea of retrofitting a VW, and Sabourin approached the ABSC Board of Directors and asked if they would fund the purchase so that when the vehicle was finished it could be moved around to high schools to show students the “cool” projects students are involved with at the Georgian College.
The Westfalia was chosen because it was a 70s iconic vehicle. The cost was $16,000.
The project began early in 2024 when students discussed plans and goals for the project, sketched out designs and considered necessary repairs and modifications. Interior Design students shared their ideas.
The van was subsequently disassembled and areas for repair or reinforcement were identified. Students and faculty sanded down the van’s exterior, preparing it for the wrap, while others repaired rust spots and dents. Georgian’s Marketing department then created artwork for the vinal wrap in collaboration with the ABSC. The wrap was applied by vendor Mario Design.
That was followed by refurbishing the van’s interior, installing new flooring, upholstery, curtains and more. Students upgraded the van’s electrical system, installing modern amenities such as LED lighting. Faculty and students then installed the EV motor and battery packs.
Artemis Denstedt, a Mechanical Engineering Technology student who was one of more than 30 students in the collaborative effort, said the project was a fantastic experience in which to be involved.
“As an engineering student, one of my favourite things is to see designs come to life,” Denstedt said. “I’ve been working on this for six months and it finally works. I’m so happy. When we first heard the motor whir, we erupted into applause. We were just so ecstatic and relieved that it worked. It’d been very rewarding. Honestly, it’s just the greatest feeling.”
When fully operational the van will be used for shows in which the ABSC and Georgian College participates.
It may also become an annual project to draw high school students into Georgian College for engineering.
“No other college does this sort of project. We’re in a field of our own,” Denstedt said.
Dale said the project is a chance for students to really showcase what the future is going to look like with all the governmental and environmental mandates concerning sustainability, notably EVs.
“There is going to be a whole industry that is going to be taking our Internal Combustion Engine vehicles and transforming them into EVs,” Dale said.
Perry Lefko is the Content Manager of The Car Magazine. He can be reached at [email protected]. Feel free to forward any story suggestions or comments.