bright green electric volkswagen ID reimagines the iconic beach buggy

volkswagen has released a new electric dune buggy, a modern reinterpretation of the classic cars that were first created in the 1960s. as a two-seater with no doors and no roof, the airy I.D. BUGGY is designed for hitting the road in the heat, whether that’s for a beach holiday or just a summer drive. the battery-powered concept made its global debut at the 2019 geneva motor show.

images courtesy of volkswagen

volkswagen‘s concept car is a high-tech zero-emissions vehicle powered by a 62 kWh lithium-ion battery which is integrated into the buggy’s floor. a 201-horsepower electric motor in the rear makes for a range estimate of 155 miles in the global WTLP test cycle. the buggy can go from zero to 62 mph in 7.2 seconds with a speed of 99 mph controlled electronically. with a fairly long 104.3-inch wheelbase but a short 160.0-inch overall length, the ID buggy has short overhangs and a ground clearance of 9.4 inches. 

a minimalist interior featuring durable materials includes waterproof cloth seats with drains at the the bottom to ensure water does not pool in the seats. the controls are built into the hexagonal steering wheel, meanwhile a controller stalk on the side of the wheel is used to select drive and engage the handbrake. a small screen located behind the wheel captures some information, but with no built-in infotainment music has to be played through built-in speakers using a smartphone connected via bluetooth.

the buggy is based on the company’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB), that will underpin a wide range of future electric models. thanks to its modular design, VW says another motor can be added to power the front wheels, and the upper body can be detached from the MEB chassis altogether. the aim is for external firms to develop their own bodywork, with VW providing the chassis. there is no firm date for the buggy to go into production.

project info

manufacturer: volkswagen

model: ID buggy