The Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept

Volkswagen is showing their E-Bugster concept car at the Beijing Motor Show, which might give a big hint as to what the new Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet will look like.

The Volkswagen E-Bugster is powered by an electric motor which produces 85 kWh (115 PS), which will propel the concept car from 0-60 mph in 10.9 seconds with a range of around 110 miles from the 28.3 kWh lithium-ion batteries. With the ability to fast-charge the batteries from a specialist DC source, they can be replenished in the 35 minutes, they can be charged from a domestic power outlet but we would expect it to need an overnight charge.

The E-Bugster also charges itself as soon as the driver’s foot leaves the accelerator pedal, when kinetic energy is transformed into electricity and stored in the battery.  Applying the brakes increases the intensity of regeneration, a function that is indicated to the driver in the instrument panel.  Other instruments include driving range and battery state indicators, and a meter that shows how much energy the driver is requesting via the accelerator pedal.

The Volkswagen E-Bugster’s speedster look is created partly by a 90 mm lower windscreen, and also by the distinctive shape of the panel that covers the lithium-ion batteries behind the seats.  Both front and rear bumpers have been substantially modified from those of the production Beetle.  At the front, LED daytime running lights at the outer edges of the central air intake form a C-shape on the left that is mirrored on the right – a signature of Volkswagen’s electric vehicle concepts.  At the back, reflectors take the place of LEDs.

At 4,278 mm long and 1,838 mm wide, the E-Bugster is the same length as a standard Beetle but 30 mm wider.  Beneath the flared wheel arches sit 20-inch alloy wheels with 235/35 tyres.