Volkswagen has demonstrated its "Electric Car of the Future" at the 2016 CES, or Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. On display was the BUDD-e vehicle, which is planned to be their much-anticipated microbus.
The BUDD-e, though, isn't just a retro-hippy people hauler. While it will likely be offered with a variety of powertrains, including gas, hybrid, and electric, it is the electric version that has folks talking at the CES. It is being touted as having a 200-plus mile range, with an 80% charge rate within 30 minutes. Both of these figures would be welcome improvement.
We should caution that this is still a concept at this point, but one that VW seems committed to bringing to production. The BUDD-e is based on a modular electric architecture that VW will plan on using for a number of different vehicles. They have made no secret that they plan to go all-in on the electric vehicle market in the coming years, particularly in light of the diesel issues.
Looking at the interior of the BUDD-e, you will notice many futuristic features, although Volkswagen claims that they will be more near-term than not. Representatives from appliance-maker LG were brought on stage to demonstrate how you can monitor your homes smart appliances through one of the on-dash monitors. The entire instrument panel is comprised of two flat-screen monitors.
Everything points to the BUDD-e not only being an electric car of the (near) future, but a significant part of the future of Volkswagen.
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