Volkswagen unveils electric E-Bugster

Date: 10/1/2012

Volkswagen has unveiled a new version of its famous Beetle car, powered entirely by electricity.

The two-seat E-Bugster will be launched at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, although is currently still in the concept stages.

It uses a new Combined Charging System that enables the vehicle to be charged using single-phase AS sources or ultra-fast DC sources - a process that takes just 35 minutes.

However, the manufacturers noted an industry standard for sockets, plugs and charge controllers needs to be established to handle all charging types.

Some 85 KWh of power is provided by the electric motor and it can go from 0 to 60 mph in 10.9 seconds.

The motor also stores kinetic energy in the battery when the driver's foot leaves the accelerator pedal.

Editor-in-Chief of Auto Express and CarBuyer Steve Fowler believes that although electric vehicles are set to become increasingly prominent, it will be some time before they are commonplace as they are currently very expensive.

Posted by Nick Anderson