Last year we reported that VW would reveal a new all-electric vehicle at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES). This is the resultof that teaser image that came out last year and it’s touted as a stylish, new Microbus. Importantly, it is fully electric and features a host of new VW tech that the brand intends to push out into its upcoming models.

It looks small for a Microbus right?

It does look small, but for now it’s just a concept but much like the original Microbus, this BUDD-e concept features short front and rear overhangs and a long wheelbase. VW claims the styling is a preview of thedirection it plans to take withfuture products. It looks modern and funky,but still manages to pull off an athletic stance – it’s just plain cool.

Electric bus

Most of the concept's underpinnings are hypotheticalat the moment, but VW believes the BUDD-e concept could be powered by a 101 kWh battery. That would give it a range of around 600km between charges. With the way that battery tech is improving, VW predicts that by 2019 you’ll be able to charge a battery from flat to 80% full in around 15 minutes. That should make longer journeys less of a problem in electric vehicles. Top speed in the BUDD-e isn’t bad either – VW reckons 150kph is possible.

Tech zone

VW has improved upon the gesture control it featured onthe Golf R Touch Concept it released last year at CES. No longer do you need to activate gesture control before performing gestures. The BUDD-e will automatically recognise a swipe of the hand to open the sliding door or awaveof a foot below the rear bumper to open the boot.

Inside the BUDD-e the driver is greeted with a huge three-panel display. The panels are divided up into vehicle information such asrpm, speed and range;current trip information and navigation and then the final one foraccess to all the interactive functions, such asmusic and apps. Gesture control can also be used inside the car as well.

Will VW Build it?

VW has confirmed that the BUDD-e concept will go into production and can be expected in the year 2020.