VOLKSWAGEN has revived and modernised the dune buggy, with the curtains dropping on its electric ID BUGGY concept.

Revealed at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show, the emissions-free concept buggy is powered by an electric- drive motor capable of generating 150kW. The motor, plonked in the rear, is fed electricity by a lithium ion rechargeable battery that lives in the vehicle’s floor.

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The design of the buggy allows for an additional electric motor in the front axle, which VW says will give the buggy “all-wheel drive with an electric propshaft”.

Based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) – a platform developed specifically for electric vehicles that VW says will be the key to the “electric car for all” – the open-air buggy’s composite body is made using a combination of aluminium, steel and plastic, which can be detached from the MEB chassis.

“The ID BUGGY demonstrates the broad spectrum of emission-free mobility that can be achieved with the MEB within the Volkswagen brand. But we want to open up the platform for third-party suppliers,” Ralf Brandstätter, COO of the Volkswagen brand, explained.

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Those who lived through Woodstock may see a resemblance between the ID BUGGY and the Californian beach buggies of the 60s that closely mirrored the iconic Beetle. The two-seater – it can be converted into a 2+2 seater – also features waterproof interior materials … obviously.

The 89th Geneva International Motor Show will run from March 7-17.