Volkswagen has announced the return of the cherished VW Bus. This time, the Volkswagen Bus will make its comeback as a concept electric vehicle, set to be revealed at CES in January.
Despite several previous attempts and numerous rumors stretching back to the unveiling of the Volkswagen “New” Microbus concept in 2001, the German automaker claims that this latest prototype serves as a preview of the production model expected to begin production at the VW facility in Puebla, Mexico, in 2017.
According to Autocar, the new electric Volkswagen Bus will feature cutting-edge lithium-ion battery technology similar to that used in the Audi R8 E-Tron. The battery will be integrated into the vehicle’s floor and will power electric motors that drive the front wheels.
“We are excited that Volkswagen will showcase a concept car at CES, highlighting its latest advancements in safety and energy-efficient electric vehicles, in line with VW’s rich tradition of innovation in the driving experience,” stated Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association. “When we agreed to a Volkswagen keynote earlier this year, we were unaware of much regarding emissions testing. However, after discussions with Dr. Diess, I sensed that the CES audience would be keen to learn about his vision and plans for a new sustainable vehicle.”
The new electric Volkswagen Bus is anticipated to be available alongside gasoline and diesel models with four-cylinder engines, although detailed technical specifications have yet to be disclosed.
In light of the scandal involving Volkswagen’s diesel emissions cheating, the company based in Wolfsburg, Germany, faces a significant challenge in regaining the trust and support of its loyal American customers. Yet, the introduction of a new Volkswagen Bus concept at CES 2016 could signal a step forward in this endeavor.
.
