It’s looking like Volkswagen’s famed Beetle might be returning as an EV.
VW is showing off a digital version of an electric Beetle in a new computer animated superhero movie called “Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir” that will be debuting on Netflix and in movie theaters. Perhaps the bigger news is a real-life, presumably electric Beetle has been spotted in Paris by a French YouTube channel called Paris Videostars.
The Bug in Paris has traditional Beetle styling cues. VW has hinted for years that it might bring back the Beetle as an EV. Way back in 2012 Volkswagen showed off a Beetle EV concept at the Detroit Auto Show called the E-Bugster.
The gasoline Beetle ended production in 2019 after three generations that stretches all the way back to the 1930s.
An electric Beetle would likely feature a rear motor to mimic its internal conbustion engine (ICE) roots along with a front trunk.
“From the very beginning of the incredible adventure of the film, the collaboration with Volkswagen appeared to us as a natural fit. Our two brands have many values in common. Transmitting the values of a better world is also our responsibility as producers,” said film producers Aton Soumache and Emmanuel Jacomet in a news release.
The movie poster includes VW’s current real-life EV lineup in addition to the digital Beetle.
“Miraculous: Lady Bug & Cat Noir, The Movie” comes out in theaters globally starting July 5. Netflix subscribers can also watch the animated superhero movie on the streaming platform starting July 28, 2023.
As for an electric Beetle, we’ll have to wait and see whether Volkswagen commits to producing it – and if so – what sort of range, battery, motor and price point it will have.
Personally, I’m rooting for a VW Beetle EV convertible.