Kombi drivers are a passionate bunch. They own their cars for years and pass them down through generations. Once upon a time they were the poster children for progressiveness and a better world. Unfortunately the Kombi is still a petrol car. As part of Volkswagen’s push to a more sustainable future we wanted to leverage the original spirit of flower power and the Kombi, but to do that we needed to make a change to the Kombi itself.

The Greenprint is an open-source set of plans that anyone can use to turn their Kombi into an EV, in 20 easy-ish steps. We made an all-in-one kit available, or owners could source the parts themselves with our approved list, and not pay us anything. We also converted our own Kombi, and wrapped it with the instructions for the conversion. This was displayed at car festivals and dealerships nationwide.

An online hub housed further details about each step, as well as a voice activated function, with user-generated videos and FAQs – by the people, for the people in true VW spirit.

Every new car manufactured takes an average of 6 tons of Co2 to produce, even EVs. So instead of trying to sell people a new car, we created a way for them to future proof the one they had.

We utilized one of our most iconic vehicles – the Kombi. Tapping into a group of owners who, while now older, once were known for their hopes for a better world. They’re also known for their DIY approach and close knit community – so they were perfect to launch a project like this.

Anyone interested in the project could download the Greenprint Poster, and then dive in to more in depth instructions online

The Greenprint campaign began with a converted electric Volkswagen Kombi, wrapped in custom livery depicting the instructions to turn a Kombi electric. This launched at NZ’s largest tradeshow, with instructional posters handed out and experts present to chat to those interested in converting their vehicles. This roadshow travelled the country attending Volkswagen and EV enthusiast festivals, and was showcased at Volkswagen Dealerships nationally.

There were also multiple PR features in TV, print and online.

The Greenprint website contained further in-depth instructions, and user-submitted videos and FAQs. The website’s instructions also have voice activation, so those who are busy under the car can listen instead of watching. The website, poster and Kombi livery are all designed to make a slightly complicated process seem as accessible and easy to do at home as possible. Handwritten font mixes with an electrical schematic diagram, also redone by hand to make the instructions feel like they have been written by a DIYer on the back of some greasepaper. True to the Volkswagen ethos - a set of plans by the people, for the people.

Online video also aired at this time. In October 2023 the all-in-one conversion kit was made available via the Volkswagen website, alongside the approved parts list so drivers could source the parts themselves. Live Q&A sessions were also held

The Greenprint has created a new avenue for Volkswagen to address sustainability, while connecting with a highly engaged group – fans of their heritage vehicles.

The Kombi Greenprint is the first set of plans created, but these are universal and now available in perpetuity.

These plans have been downloaded 2,000+ times in a country with only 1,000 kombis.

Now talks have begun to expand to other countries. Plans are also being considered for other icons like the Golf and Beetle.

So while other car manufacturers are only focussed on the reduction of carbon in new cars, Volkswagen is taking responsibility for existing vehicles too.

Each vehicle converted saves on average 1.7tonnes of carbon per year, and that doesn’t include the carbon cost of new cars that don’t need to be created when these existing vehicles are modernised.

Zero new vehicles were sold as a result of this campaign, as intended