Volkswagen Brought The BUDD-e Concept To Geneva

Volkswagen toyed with the legacy left by its Kombi/Microbus model and came up with an all-electric concept based on the upcoming MEB platform.

Basically, the company introduced its old-time recipe into the new era of electric automobiles; an intuitive move, knowing that the German car manufacturer expressed its newfound interest in electric automobiles plenty of times now (especially after the diesel-gate scandal…).

The BUDD-e concept is powered by two electric motors, sending a total power output of 301hp (225kW) to all four wheels, while delivering an EPA-estimated autonomy of up to 233 miles (or 533km-NEDC). Furthermore, according to Volkswagen, the concept can be charged to 80% in just 30 minutes – if “fueled” by a 150kW charger – and does 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.9 seconds; although its electric powertrain can’t make it go faster than 180 km/h (112 mph).

The interior stays true to Volkswagen’s commitment for the future of automobiles: drastically reduced knobs and buttons (the T-Cross Breeze concept, premiered at Geneva, follows the same philosophy). Even the multifunctional steering wheel features pressure or swipe activated functions instead of regular inputs.

The BUDD-e could be a very important concept for Volkswagen, offering a glimpse into the future of the car maker.