The Volkswagen e-Beetle is a modified automobile first shown in October 2019 at IAA in Frankfurt. A donor Volkswagen Type 1303 Super Beetle convertible was updated by replacing the original petrol drivetrain with the electric motor, transmission, and battery used in the e-Up. Parts were taken from the regular Volkswagen production line, and installed by specialist partner eClassics in Renningen after consulting with Volkswagen Group Components.
| Volkswagen e-Beetle | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer |
|
| Also called | e-Käfer |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact car (C) |
| Body style | 2-door coupé & convertible |
| Layout | RR |
| Related | VW e-Up! |
| Powertrain | |
| Electric motor | 82 PS (60.3 kW; 80.9 hp) Permanent magnet synchronous motor |
| Transmission | 1-sp |
| Battery | 36.8 kWh Li-ion |
| Dimensions | |
| Kerb weight | 1,280 kg (2,822 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Volkswagen Beetle (Car Body) |
Design and development
Externally, the e-Käfer may be distinguished from a classic Beetle by the car's running boards; these are thicker on the e-Käfer to conceal the depth of the floor-mounted battery pack.[1] The converted car retains the original rear-drive, rear-motor layout.[2]
Performance
The e-Up drivetrain is rated at an output of 81 hp (60 kW; 82 PS) and 210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft) as installed in the e-Beetle, which is equipped with a 36.8 kWh lithium-ion battery for a range of 200 km (124 mi).[1] A larger battery, 45 kWh, and an uprated motor, 101 hp (75 kW; 102 PS), are available at extra cost.[3]
The converted e-Beetle weighs 1,280 kg (2,822 lb).[1]
Production
The chassis for the e-Beetle is marketed at a retail price of €39900 alone, or €99900 for a complete converted vehicle that is ready to drive. The upgraded battery and motor are also available for an extra €15900.[3]
eClassics intend for the technology in the battery-electric conversion to be applied to other classic Volkswagen products. In March 2020, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles showed the e-BULLI, a conversion of a 1966 T1 Samba Bus performed by eClassics using the same e-Up drivetrain as the e-Beetle,[4] distinct from prior electrified Volkswagen small concept vans such as the Bulli (2011), BUDD-e (2016), and ID.BUZZ (2017). The e-BULLI battery is slightly larger than the e-Beetle battery, at 45 kWh, but the range remains the same 124 miles (200 km). The cost of the e-BULLI conversion is €64900.[5]
References
External links
- "Premiere: New energy for the Beetle" (Press release). Volkswagen Newsroom. September 5, 2019.
- "Retro Käfer: Restauriert und Elektrifiziert" [Retro Beetle: Restored and Electrified]. eClassics.