The VW BUDD-e debuted at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show with hopes of evoking nostalgia in those who remember the old VW bus. This concept vehicle is a small electric van inspired by the look of the Microbus, but it is powered completely by an electric powertrain, and the battery is strong enough to get the van up to 93 miles per hour. Here are some reasons why the BUDD-e could be your next best friend.
Eco-Friendly
The BUDD-e has zero emissions, receiving its power from a huge 101-kWh lithium ion battery. The battery takes up almost the entire floor of the vehicle, and it will get you up to 233 miles of driving range before it needs a charge. It also has a fast charging system that will replenish up to 80 percent of its juice in just 15 minutes.
The Design
Volkswagen hinted that the BUDD-e was the microbus redesigned for the future, and the description fits. The vehicle has features that are reminiscent of the hippie vehicle we know and love from the 1960’s, but overall its design is boldly modern and even futuristic.
Gesture Control
Inside the Budd-e there is all kinds of technology. To start, you can use gesture control to operate many of the functions. Use just a simple swipe of your hands through the air to adjust the images on the large infotainment screens and to open the sliding door on the side. VW says that the BUDD-e will recognize movements without needing explicit instructions in order to activate the command. You can also use voice commands to open and close the door, or just kick your foot to open the tailgate.
Remote Technology
If you feel the need to find out what is going on at home while you are out in the BUDD-e, you can just look at the display screen to see images from cameras that are in or around your house. The remote controls even allow you to see who is ringing your doorbell and let them inside if you want. This remote system also allows the driver to remotely turn lights on and off at home or turn the heat or air conditioning on while you are on the way.
Safety
One of the new safety features that is unique to the BUDD-e is the e-Mirror. This replaces the side mirrors with digital displays connected to cameras on each side of the car. There is a 7-inch panel on the driver’s side, and smaller 5.9-inch panel on the passenger side that allows the driver a much better view of what is around them. This system eliminates the blind spot for safer maneuvering, and it also makes the car more aerodynamic.
Volkswagen received such a positive reaction from the public when they revealed the BUDD-e at the January auto show that they are putting this innovative vehicle into production. The North American Concept Vehicle of the Award chose the BUDD-e as the “2016 Concept Truck of the Year.”
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