Volkswagen Group Components and eClassics have
teamed up to create an electric version of an old Beetle. The e-Beetle is a near-production
model that debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show.
eClassics carried out the conversion using parts
from the VW e-Up!, such as the battery, electric motor and one-speed gearbox.
Feeding the 82 PS electric motor is a 36.8 kWh lithium-ion
battery. Mounted at the underbody, it provides a 200-km range and
also supports fast charging, so if you run out of juice, all you have to do is
plug it in for about an hour to get another 150 km of range.
Due to the added weight, reinforced chassis and new
brakes, the e-Beetle tips the scales at 1,280 kg. Performance is
more than decent, as the car needs less than 4 seconds to accelerate to 50 km/h and just a little over 8 seconds to hit 80 km/h. Flat out, it
will do 150 km/h.
Aside from the Beetle, owners of other classic
vehicles will be able to convert their rides to electric power.
