Jaguar did it with their historic E-Type sports coupe, so what’s stopping Volkswagen to do the same with their Beetle? Announced at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, Volkswagen is now offering an electric conversion for the beloved bug using parts from other series production models.
The e-Beetle uses components sourced from the Volkswagen e-up! and with that comes with an 82-horsepower output—more than what the regular Beetle ever achieved. The 36.8 kWh motor brings the bug to modern car standards—50 km/h comes in less than 4 seconds and its top speed is 150 km/h. The one-speed e-Beetle also has a range of about 200 kilometers.
Due to the heavier engine and lithium-ion batteries (curb weight is now 1,250 kilograms), the e-Beetle gets uprated and reinforced chassis and brakes.
The conversion is done by a partner company, eClassic—a German-based company located near Stuttgart. The modularity of the components means that other historic VW vehicles may also get the electrified treatment. Some of the models being floated around include the Type II bus (aka hippie van) and the Porsche 356.
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