An electric powertrain for the classic Beetle

Older examples of the Volkswagen Beetle can now have their air-cooled petrol engines replaced by an electric powertrain. The conversion – which Volkswagen officially endorses and promotes – is carried out by German firm eClassics.

It utilises the same 80 bhp (60 kW / 82 PS) motor, single-speed transmission and 36.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that are found in the latest e-Up! city car.

Thanks partly to some chassis reinforcement work, the e-Beetle (or e-Käfer in German) weighs a fairly substantial 1,280 kg (2,822 lbs). Nevertheless, performance is much improved, as evidenced by a 0-50 mph (80 km/h) time of just over eight seconds. The 93 mph (150 km/h) top speed should be sufficient for most customers.

Anticipated driving range is adequate at around 124 miles (200 kilometres). Unfortunately, replenishment times are a bit vague, but an hour plugged into a fast charger is claimed to be enough to travel an extra 93 miles (150 kilometres).

Volkswagen Group Components is keen to point out that this electrification process could also be applied to other old models in future, including the Type 2 van.

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