Meyers Manx to release electric VW buggy
US carmaker Meyers Manx is bringing back the VW buggy of the 1960s with an electric drive. The Meyers Manx 2.0 Electric is to be built in a small series of 50 units starting in 2023, before series production is to start in 2024.
The Meyers Manx 2.0 Electric is powered by two electric motors that together produce 150 kW. Two battery options with 20 and 40 kWh capacity are to allow ranges of up to 240 and 480 kilometres respectively. A first small series of 50 units is planned for 2023, before series production is to begin in 2024. Whether the vehicle will also come to Europe is just as unknown as the prices.
Like the original, the 2.0 Electric has a rear-wheel drive. Although two electric motors usually stand for an electric all-wheel drive, it is different here: each rear wheel has its own motor. Together, the electric motors produce 325 Nm of torque, which allows the buggy, which is also available with a removable roof, to accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds – at least on a surface with good grip, on sand it might take a little longer.
The basic model with the 20 kWh battery is supposed to have a slightly lower engine output, but the reports do not yet specify this exactly. What is clear is that charging takes place with up to 6 kW AC, and a fast charger with 60 kW DC is available as an option.
Unlike the VW Buggy of the 1960s, there is no VW technology in the new vehicle, of which a prototype is to be presented in mid-August. Unlike the 2019 study ID. Buggy based on the MEB or the 60s model with technology from the Beetle, the Meyers Manx 2.0 Electric is built with non-VW components.
Of course, the bodywork is not original from the 60s, but the resemblance to the Beach Buggy is unmistakable. After all, Meyers Manx also built a VW Buggy with an internal combustion engine at the time – hence the “2.0” in the model designation.
While the front design is almost the same as the original, the deviations at the rear are greater. For example, there are modern tail lights instead of the original VW Beetle parts. The biggest difference: The rear trim is closed on the Meyers Manx 2.0 Electric, whereas it was open in the 1960s due to the Beetle engine installed there. This gives a more modern and restrained look.
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