The Geneva Motor Show, to be held in March, will feature the unveiling of the first fully electric version of a new dune buggy. Taking its cues from popular American dune buggies, the concept vehicle is based on VW’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB).

“A buggy is more than a car. It is vibrancy and energy on four wheels,” said Klaus Bischoff, Head Designer at Volkswagen. “These attributes are embodied by the new e-buggy, which demonstrates how a modern, non-retro interpretation of a classic can look and, more than anything else, the emotional bond that electric mobility can create.”

The concept of the fully electric buggy is based on the vehicles that were created in the 1960s in California. Back then, the Beetle chassis served as the basis for these buggies. True to the original vehicles, the reinterpretation of a dune buggy has no fixed roof or conventional doors, while the large wheels and off-road tyres and open side sills dominate the overall look.

Volkswagen says the new MEB concept vehicle shows that its fully electric platform can be used for more than just large-scale series production models – the MEB has the potential to facilitate the development of low-volume niche vehicles.

The fully electric concept buggy will be shown at the 89th International Geneva Motor Show, from March 7-17.

Source: Motor Trader E-Magazine (Feb 2019)

11 Feb 2019