Georgian students to retrofit 1972 VW Westfalia as electric vehicle
Dec. 5, 2023
More than 30 Georgian College students are helping retrofit a 1972 Volkswagen Westfalia as an electric vehicle as part of a major collaborative project spanning multiple academic areas.
The project, which officially launched Monday at Georgian’s Barrie Campus, will see students and faculty from engineering and technologies, interior design and other programs get innovative, hands-on learning experience.
The project also aligns with the college’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

“Applying what we learn in class to a real-life project is beneficial, especially with the electrification of the vehicle, which is the way the automotive industry is headed,” said Joshua Reitzel, a Mechanical Engineering Technology student participating in the project. “It will really help us in the long run as we head into the workforce.”
VW Westfalia to get ‘second life’ with vintage-themed interior
Kelly Raffan is one of nine Honours Bachelor of Interior Design students creating plans to redesign the interior of the vehicle in a vintage theme.
“I’m super excited because I’m really into van conversions. I really love taking old things and making them new again – giving them a second life,” she said. “This experience is going to be really great, not only for my portfolio but also for getting to know and learn from the other students involved in this project.”

Completed vehicle to showcase Georgian experience
The project team is aiming to have the vehicle fully functional and complete by spring 2024.
Once ready, the electric Volkswagen will be able to drive about 100 kilometres on a single charge and will be used more as a marketing tool for the Georgian experience than for long-distance driving.
Funding for the project comes from the Automotive Business School of Canada, Volkswagen Canada, Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council, and Ideal Supply.