82 kWh battery, Tesla Model 3 motor, TÜV-capable – and all of that in the VW T5. Sounds expensive? It does not have to be. We disclose all costs: kit price, donor vehicle, installation.
Three cost items – plus TÜV fees and drivetrain removal
1. ESDI conversion turnkey (PURE): €39,990 gross. Fixed price (kit €34,990 + €5,000 installation), including installation and TÜV accompaniment; the fees for the expert report and individual approval, plus stripping out the combustion engine (partner workshop), are added separately. Included in the package: 82 kWh MEB battery pack, Tesla Model 3 motor (up to 211 kW), BMS, on-board charger, cooling system, wiring harness and adapters.
2. A donor vehicle. A used VW T5 or T6 with valid TÜV. From approx. 5,500 € (van) to 35,000 € (T6 Multivan Highline).
3. Optional fit-out. Camping accessories from stock for the T5/T6.
FIVE SCENARIOS – HONESTLY CALCULATED
Scenario 1: cheapest entry – T5 van
| Position | Costs |
|---|---|
| T5 panel van | ~5.500 € |
| ESDI conversion turnkey (PURE) | 39.990 € |
| Total | ~45.490 € |
Scenario 2: the sweet spot – T5 Transporter
| Position | Costs |
|---|---|
| T5 Transporter/Kombi | ~8.000–10.000 € |
| ESDI conversion turnkey (PURE) | 39.990 € |
| Total | ~€47,990–49,990 |
Scenario 3: family electric Bulli – T5 Multivan
| Position | Costs |
|---|---|
| T5 Multivan | ~11.000–15.000 € |
| ESDI conversion turnkey (PURE) | 39.990 € |
| Total | ~51.000–54.990 € |
Scenario 4: premium – T6 Transporter
| Position | Costs |
|---|---|
| T6 Transporter (BJ 2016+) | ~16.000–20.000 € |
| ESDI conversion turnkey (PURE) | 39.990 € |
| Total | ~55.990–59.990 € |
Scenario 5: top equipment – T6 Multivan
| Position | Costs |
|---|---|
| Base vehicle T6 Multivan Highline (purchased by you, not an ESDI service) | ~30.000–35.000 € |
| ESDI EV kit turnkey (kit €34,990 + €5,000 installation) | 39.990 € |
| Total project incl. vehicle | ~69.990–74.990 € |
What does the battery cost per euro?
| Vehicle | Price | Battery | €/kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESDI T5 (Scenario 2) | 49.990 € | 82 kWh | 610 € |
| ID. Buzz Freestyle | 49.998 € | 59 kWh | 847 € |
| ID. Buzz Pro KR | 61.077 € | 79 kWh | 773 € |
| VW e-Transporter | 59.369 € | 70 kWh | 848 € |
What to look for in the donor vehicle?
Body condition: The most important thing. Rust on load-bearing parts is an exclusion criterion.
Valid TÜV: Shows that the vehicle is roadworthy.
Mileage: Less relevant – the motor is removed. Engine damage can be a bargain.
The honest answer
The turnkey ESDI conversion costs 39,990 €, plus the donor vehicle, drivetrain removal and TÜV fees. In the cheapest case 45,490 €, realistically around 50,000 €. For the same price: ID. Buzz Freestyle with only 59 kWh. With ESDI: 82 kWh and up to 211 kW (PURE).
All prices incl. VAT. As of 03/2026.
Frequently asked questions
What does a complete VW T5 electric conversion cost?
The turnkey ESDI conversion (PURE) costs 39,990 € incl. installation and TÜV support. Added as separate, individual items: donor vehicle from 5,500 €, drivetrain removal (partner workshop) and TÜV fees.
What is included in the ESDI EV kit?
82 kWh MEB battery, Tesla Model 3 motor (up to 211 kW), BMS, charger, cooling system, wiring harness – plus installation and TÜV support.
Does the donor vehicle need a working engine?
No. The diesel engine is completely removed. A T5 with engine damage can be cheaper.
Are there hidden costs?
39,990 € is a fixed price incl. installation and TÜV support. Separately, the fees for the expert report and individual approval inspection (invoice to the registered owner, passed on unchanged) and the drivetrain removal of the combustion engine by our partner workshop are added.
Continue reading in the guide
- Buying a used electric Bulli vs. a new ID. Buzz
- VW e-Transporter 2025 compared
- MEB battery in the T5/T6: the technology explained
→ ID. Buzz fact comparison | → T5/T6 kit page | → All guide articles

