2012 Detroit: Volkswagen shows off the E-Bugster Concept

Volkswagen began showing off the E-Bugster earlier at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, a concept that features the “People’s Car’s” first ever electric powertrain.

Based on the latest Beetle, the E-Bugster—E meaning electric and Bugster, short for the Beetle’s nickname (The Bug) and “speedster”—is powered by an 114hp electric motor that also churns out 199 lb-ft of torque called Blue-E-Motion.

Capable of traveling more than 100 miles with zero emissions on one charge, the Volkswagen E-Bugster’s electric motor receives its power from a 695lb battery stored at the back of the concept—incidentally where the motor originally sat in the first Beetle.

The E-Bugster’s Blue-E-Motion system can accommodate three different chargers: Level 1 (12V, Level 2 (240V) and quick-charge, which could provide up to an 80 percent charge in 30 minutes.

Although the E-Bugster won’t see production—at least as of now—the Blue-E-Motion powertrain will find itself in the Golf Blue-E-Motion sometime down the line.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

– By: Chris Chin