VW Reveals Electric Dune Buggy Concept

To showcase the flexibility of its modular MEB electric vehicle platform, Volkswagen AG has developed an all-electric concept dune buggy.

The ID. Buggy, which will be publicly unveiled in March at the Geneva auto show, is a modern interpretation of iconic 1960s-era American models—including the classic Meyers Manx kit car. That vehicle was built on a modified version of the VW Beetle chassis.

As with the Manx, the new concept has no roof or doors. The ID. Buggy sports a sleek, muscular design with oversized tires, circular LED headlights, rollover bar and a free-standing windshield. The vehicle’s electric drivetrain and other technical specifications weren’t disclosed.

An Autocar report in December said VW was “actively” considering producing an MEB-based beach buggy. VW declined to comment other than to say the concept demonstrates the MEB platform can accommodate low-volume niche vehicles as well as mass-market models.

The carmaker plans to use the architecture to carry 27 EVs across its various brands by 2023. In addition to its own models, VW aims to license the MEB platform to competitors. This could include Ford Motor Co., which is collaborating with VW on other projects and is evaluating working with the German carmaker on electrified vehicles too.