The World’s Happiest Van Gets A Surprisingly Grim Job In Texas

Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz channels the spirit of the classic Microbus, radiating a cheerful, almost whimsical vibe unmatched since perhaps the New Beetle. Its design aims to evoke smiles. Yet, its practical van shape means it was likely destined for utilitarian tasks, though perhaps none quite as unexpected as a funeral home in Texas using the EV van as a hearse.

Perches Funeral Home, based in El Paso, is now host to the unique electric hearse. The conversion appears remarkably straightforward, highlighting the Buzz’s suitability for carrying sizable cargo, even for non-traditional jobs. The attention to detail in the conversation looks meticulous, as if it arrived this way from the factory.

An Unconventional Yet Ideal Choice for a Final Ride

From the outside, the modifications are subtle. The van wears a coat of formal black paint, naturally, and features inserts covering the rear side windows, lending it a more traditional hearse appearance. Inside, photos shared by Autrey McVicker of BMP Tuning show that the most significant change is a platform built to carry a casket, replacing the rear seats.

Seeing the friendly face of an ID. Buzz leading a funeral procession is admittedly jarring. Vans, despite their practical advantages for carrying capacity, remain relatively uncommon choices for hearses in the United States, where purpose-built, elongated vehicles similar to limos are traditional. Those are often based on luxury platforms like Cadillac DeVilles or Escalade SUVs, stretched and modified by specialized coachbuilders into funereal wagons.

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However, the ID. Buzz offers distinct advantages beyond its surprising style contrast. As an electric vehicle, it provides silent operation, adding a layer of quiet dignity to proceedings that internal combustion engines cannot match. Its spacious interior, designed originally for passengers and cargo, easily accommodates a casket platform without requiring the extensive body modifications often needed for sedan or SUV-based hearse conversions.

Not a New Idea, Just a New Buzz

While the Perches Funeral Home conversion might be the first widely noticed in the United States, the idea is not entirely novel. German coachbuilder Kuhlmann Cars already lists and sells a professionally converted ID. Buzz hearse, featuring similar interior modifications like a coffin platform and partition wall.

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The options for a suitable electric van base vehicle in the United States are currently limited. Ford offers the E-Transit, and Ram sells an electric ProMaster. Rivian’s large delivery van, although electric, features a distinct front-end design that is arguably too unconventional, even compared to the Buzz, for such solemn work, and it is typically reserved for fleet sales. This leaves only the ID. Buzz to occupy a unique niche: an electric van with manageable dimensions and adaptable interior space.

H/T: The Drive