Months after the dieselgate scandal, Volkswagen has taken the wraps off its completely digital EV, with a claimed range of 533 km, and it’s called the BUDD-e. The main aim for this minivan is to be a completely interactive product that can connect to the world while in transit.
The BUDD-e’s selling points are it’s revolutionised infotainment system and its modular electric drive kit which allows it to achieve this distant range with a claimed charging time of 30 minutes. MEB is the architecture platform that all future Volkswagen EVs will be based on and will be almost completely connected to the internet.
By utilising this architecture, Volkswagen aim to make all MEB cars more spacious, dynamic, cost effective and Eco-friendly. With regards to the BUDD-e as an introductory MEB product, it features a 92,4 kWh flatbed battery system which powers two electric motors; one for each axle.
The front motor produces 100 kW and 200 N.m of torque while the rear produces 125 kW and 290 N.m of torque making the BUDD-e a 225 kW all-wheel drive van capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 6,9 seconds with a top speed of 180 km/h. In terms of size the new minivan sits in between the Touran and the T6 with its 4 597 mm long and 1 940 mm wide body.
Party tricks on the BUDD-e include sliding doors that can be opened by hand gestures, swiveling seats, a 35-inch infotainment monitor for passengers, 3D navigation, intuitive voice-commands, a drop-box that will automatically order parts that are wearing out (wiper blades, tyres etc) and a ‘don’t forget’ system that informs passengers if any electronic devices have been left in the cabin.
