It was a “see you later” and not a final “goodbye”. Thanks to a transformation carried out by Volkswagen Group Components and the associated firm eClassics, the classic Beetle found a new life as an electric car, with the e-Up! This gave life to the Volkswagen e-Beetle.
The group has unveiled the e-Beetle at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany.
The conversion kit consists of the set of motor, box, and batteries of an e-Up! Thus, it guarantees the delivery of 82 hp (60 kW) in its electric motor, powered by 36.8 kWh batteries with the possibility of fast charging. It offers about 200 km (124 miles) of range per charge, reaching a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph).
The battery system sports up to fourteen 2.5-kWh lithium-ion battery modules (deliver 36.8 kWh in a bundle). It is built into the underbody. The built-in series-produced components allow for fast charging via a combined charging system. Hence, the e-Beetle can store enough energy for a journey of over 150 km after charging for around an hour, depending on charging station speed.
New electrified Beetle weighs in at 1,280 kg (2,822 lb) and still accelerates to 50 km/h in just under four seconds and to 80 km in just over eight seconds.
The transformation is the responsibility of Volkswagen Group Components and its partner eClassics, companies that will offer the owners of classic Beetles the possibility of converting their models to electric in a safe way, with quality and original parts.
Based on this concept, other historical models of the company can be electrified later, according to the company.
