VW Beetle could be the next classic car to receive an electric upgrade
After committing to releasing an all-electric version of its iconic camper van in 2022, an engineer from Volkwagen has suggested that the VW Beetle might be the next classic car to get an electric upgrade.
The car would theoretically be built upon the same MEB platform as VW’s other electric efforts, reports Electrek, and would join a planned lineup of the hatchback-sized I.D., the crossover I.D. CROZZ, the I.D. VIZZION sedan, and the aforementioned microbus, the I.D. BUZZ.
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The defining feature of the I.D. lineup is that these are vehicles built from the ground-up to be electric, rather than having been converted from previous combustion engine-based models like the e-Golf.
The news of an electric Beetle comes from an interview VW design chief Klaus Bischoff had with Autocar.
All all-electric MEB Beetle
According to the designer, the Beetle would be a great fit for the MEB platform, as the original models were all rear-wheel drive, unlike the modern incarnation of the car.
However, for the time being the car will have to remain a mere sketch. That’s because the company is committed to focusing on the electric cars it has already announced. Even the current models of the car are set to disappear, with production due to come to an end next year.
We’ve got a lengthy wishlist of classic vehicles that we’d love to see receive an all-electric upgrade. Vespa has already announced an electric scooter model that’s set to arrive in 2018, and Mini will produce an all-electric model of its classic Mini Cooper in 2019.
But we want to see more, including an all-electric version of the Porsche 911. Mission-E looks cool, but nothing can match the design of the German classic.
Which classic car would you like to see get an all-electric upgrade? Let us know @TrustedReviews.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.