It appears Volkswagen‘s Microbus concepts have been around forever. And it holds true, since the very first, retro-inspired Microbus was revealed in 2001, yet cancelled in 2005 without being produced. As late as 2011, the shape was rebuilt in the shape of the Bulli concept, and absolutely nothing production-worthy came from that either. This year, in the middle of all the Dieselgate scandal, Volkswagen refreshed the concept of a likewise shaped individuals carrier concept– now including electrical power– and called BUDD-e. Sources near the German automaker inform the current version could be production-feasible, echoing the statements made in last year.
It has been reported that the seven-seater could be among five electrical models Volkswagen wishes to present by 2020. Volkswagen is basing the production variation of the BUDD-e on the very same platform as the electric iD hatchback observed at the Paris Motor Show in September. The flexible MEB platform looks like Mercedes-Benz’s electric A- and B-class concepts because it houses the batteries inside the sandwich-like floorpan, managing a flat floor to anything built on the platform. Compared with the iD, the bus version would have a longer wheelbase and larger track.
The electrical motor would be housed adjacent to the rear axle, and the automobile would be first and primary rear-wheel-drive, with readily available all-wheel-drive if an electric prop shaft and front-mounted electric motors were used. The iD hatchback is slated for manufacturing in 2019, spearheading Volkswagen’s new transition to complete electrical power; a seven-seater minivan variation would make for a strong companion.
