French family builds electric bus

A French family has converted a traditional bus into an electric vehicle using Tesla batteries, enabling them to travel globally. The Guillemot family, including parents Jean-Philippe and Laure and their daughters Clara and Lisa, created an electric bus named Chouchou.

Bus uses Tesla batteries

The bus is powered by three Tesla Model 3 Long Range batteries, offering a total energy storage capacity of 225 kWh. It was originally a 12-meter-long Temsa Safari bus with a 12-liter diesel engine that used 35 liters of fuel per 100 km.

Conversion faced early challenges

The family completed the electric conversion in 2022, but the initial Tesla motor failed after 250 km due to an electrical error, requiring a month of repairs. They later fixed the issue and continued their project.

Solar panels added for power

To reduce reliance on charging stations, the family added 90 square meters of solar panels. When parked, two large sections of the bus unfold to accommodate the panels, which can generate up to 16 kW of power under ideal conditions.

Bus powers a mobile home

The energy stored in the batteries not only powers the bus but also a 30-square-meter mobile home equipped with a shower, toilet, kitchen, washing machine, dryer, and workspace. Each family member has a private room within the home.

Family travels globally

The Guillemots have traveled between France, Morocco, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania. They plan to embark on a new journey in autumn 2026 after a year in Toulouse, though their daughters will remain in school and not join the trip.

Father leads the conversion project

Jean-Philippe Guillemot, a self-taught individual, conducted most of the conversion work himself. He is also working on a collective project to convert a diesel heavy truck into an electric and solar-powered habitat, aiming to share their experience with others.