Volkswagen just gave the BUDD-e concept car its NYC debut at the New York International Auto Show. This follows the concept’s official unveiling at the January Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
The BUDD-e electric vehicle (EV) concept is notable because, as we’ve reported previously, it’s Volkswagen’s first vehicle based on the new Modular Electric Platform (MEB) that was unveiled to much fanfare following the infamous “dieselgate” scandal. Whether or not the company is at all serious about EVs remains to be seen, but the company is now at least making some inroad. Seemingly, anyways.
The all-electric BUDD-e concept car features a range of around 233 miles per charge (the company’s estimate based on the EPA testing cycle) and an interactive user system that “is more thoroughly connected with its surroundings than any car before it.”
A new press release provides more:
The new MEB delivers a drivetrain architecture that is specifically tailored for the integration of compact electric motors and high-performance, highly-efficient batteries. The 101 kWh battery is flat, to save space, and integrated into almost the entire vehicle floor. It powers two electric motors, one to drive each axle.
The front and rear motors power all four wheels and enable a top speed of 93 mph. The total range of up to 373*** (estimate based on the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), 233 miles estimate when based on EPA drive cycle) miles is achieved on a full charge, putting the BUDD-e on a level playing field with today’s gasoline-powered cars. Like today’s electric vehicles, the BUDD-e offers several levels of plugged-in charging with the added benefit of cordless inductive charging.
The concept van is 181 inches long, 76.3 inches wide and 72.2 inches high, placing it between two very successful Volkswagen models sold in Europe, the Touran and the Multivan T6. Due to its generous width, relatively long wheelbase (124.1 inches), and very short overhangs (27 inches at the front and 28.9 inches and the rear), the BUDD-e’s proportions are very appealing.
Despite the relatively impressive specs, that really does sound just like typical Volkswagen BS, doesn’t it? Notably, the range of 233 miles is likely to be achieved by the production Tesla Model 3 set for release next year, while the BUDD-e is just a concept car.