The Volkswagen e-Beetle is a modified automobile first shown in October 2019 at IAA in Frankfurt. A donor VolkswagenType 1303 Super Beetleconvertible was updated by replacing the original petrol drivetrain with the electric motor, transmission, and battery used in the e-Up. Parts were taken from the regular Volkswagen production line, and installed by specialist partner eClassics in Renningen after consulting with Volkswagen Group Components.
Design and development
Externally, the e-Käfer may be distinguished from a classic Beetle by the car's running boards; these are thicker on the e-Käfer to conceal the depth of the floor-mounted battery pack.[1] The converted car retains the original rear-drive, rear-motor layout.[2]
Performance
The e-Up drivetrain is rated at an output of 81 hp (60 kW; 82 PS) and 210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft) as installed in the e-Beetle, which is equipped with a 36.8 kWh lithium-ion battery for a range of 200 km (124 mi).[1] A larger battery, 45 kWh, and an uprated motor, 101 hp (75 kW; 102 PS), are available at extra cost.[3]
The converted e-Beetle weighs 1,280 kg (2,822 lb).[1]
Production
The chassis for the e-Beetle is marketed at a retail price of €39900 alone, or €99900 for a complete converted vehicle that is ready to drive. The upgraded battery and motor are also available for an extra €15900.[3]
eClassics intend for the technology in the battery-electric conversion to be applied to other classic Volkswagen products. In March 2020, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles showed the e-BULLI, a conversion of a 1966 T1 Samba Bus performed by eClassics using the same e-Up drivetrain as the e-Beetle,[4] distinct from prior electrified Volkswagen small concept vans such as the Bulli (2011), BUDD-e (2016), and ID.BUZZ (2017). The e-BULLI battery is slightly larger than the e-Beetle battery, at 45 kWh, but the range remains the same 124 miles (200 km). The cost of the e-BULLI conversion is €64900.[5]
^Torchinsky, Jason (September 5, 2019). "Volkswagen Will Now Convert Classic Beetles To Electric Power Which Is Maybe Even Better Than A New EV Beetle". Jalopnik. Retrieved 4 May 2020. ... it appears that the whole e-Up! transverse drivetrain has been transplanted to the back of the VW chassis, replacing the whole longitudinal transaxle/engine setup. It's a very nice, tidy setup, and the e-Up!'s power pack fits remarkably well in the back of the Beetle. I can see that some extra motor mounts and supports have been added to the rear torsion tube housing, and the frame 'horns' that once carried the transaxle have been cut off. New rear shock absorber mounts seem to be added as well. The drivetrain, being transverse, is a bit shorter than the original transaxle/flat-four setup, so its weight is more focused over the axle line, and as such is less of an 'outboard' motor, which will likely improve handling a good bit.
