Volkswagen unveils conversion kit to transform classic bug into electric motor
VOLKSWAGEN owners will be able to keep their Beetle on the road for longer by replacing it with a battery-powered motor.
Only a month after the final Bug came off the production line in Mexico, the German auto giant announced drivers could convert their model into an electric car.
The company has teamed up with a specialist German firm to provide the official conversion kit.
As a part of the transformation, the four-cylinder engine will be taken out and fitted with the motor from the existing e-up! city car.
Despite the new engine beefing up the it weight substantially, the Bug will be able to accelerate from 0 to 50mph in eight seconds and has a top speed of 93mph.
The battery will also boast a range of 124 miles and be able to recharge by 75 per cent in an hour.
Drivers for the first time will be able to use the boot space as the rear-mounted engine has been removed.
But you'll need to organise for the Beetle to be transported to Germany for the zero-emission system to be installed.
It is not known how much the transformation will cost, with Volkswagen set to unveil it at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week.
Volkswagen has also confirmed that it is currently working on using the same removal technique to transform the popular Kombi van.
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Thomas Schmall, member of the board of management for Volkswagen, said: "The electrified Beetle combines the charm of our classic car with the mobility of the future.
"Innovative e-components from Volkswagen Group Components are under the bonnet – we work with them to electrify historically important vehicles, in what is an emotional process
"We are also providing Beetle owners with a professional conversion solution, using production parts of the highest quality."