Ask Nathan: Where’s the VW Beetle EV and Buying a Used Jeep Wrangler?

By
Nathan Adlen
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This is the Chinese-built Ora Punk Ballet. It’s all electric and it has a brother (the Punk Cat) that looks even more like a Beetle.

In this week’s post:

  • Why don’t we have a VW Beetle EV?
  • I want to buy an old Jeep Wrangler.

The first question comes from a viewer who wants to know why there isn’t a VW Beetle EV.

Q: (Via YouTube: TFLEV) Why isn’t there an electric Bug (VW Beetle EV)?

So sick of waiting for the Buzz and I am not a fan of the look of the ID4. Why not make a cheaper EV that competes with the MINI and Fiat that’s coming? Giving a car some personality is a great way to gets some sales. I guarantee Volkswagen will sell a ton of electric Bugs if they keep with the recipe they began with the original. It was the peoples car and it should be again!

– Spud Public 80

A: A VW Beetle EV would be kind of cool.

I agree. I would love to see a modern interpretation of a VW Beetle EV hit the market, one that competes with the cutesy group of upcoming mini EVs. Right now, our market only gets the ID4, which is okay, but it’s honestly not that exciting.

If it were up to me, shorten the MEB platform, use the existing 62-kWh battery – and make it rear drive. Keep it under 30K, fully featured too. I think, if it can achieve well over 200 miles range, and it’s fun to drive, a lot of people would be interested. Sadly, this is just spitballin’ as there are no solid plans to reintroduce the Beetle – yet.

2014 E-Bugster concept

Back in 2014, Volkswagen showed off their all-electric E-Bugster concept, but it (obviously) never made it to production. Volkswagen continued to show interest in an EV Beetle in 2019 with additional teasing. Sadly, only more concepts (like the I.D Buggy concept) followed.

About a year ago, something interesting surfaced. The movie Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir was infiltrated by Volkswagen branding, and they opted to give the lead character a futuristic Beetle, though no such car existed. Then at the premier of the movie, a physical version of the cartoon Beetle appeared. Although no information was provided about the vehicle itself, it was a bit of a hit.

Image: Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir – SAMG Entertainment

The vehicle I displayed in the photos above is the ORA Ballet Cat, which is based on the Punk Cat. ORA is part of China’s Great Wall Automotive, and they sell a slew of smaller, interesting to look at vehicles. I know, there’s bound to be copyright issues, but I think it’s still an intriguing idea.

It’s encouraging to see that Volkswagen is thinking about it. So much so, that I hear that many of the higher-ups at Volkswagen are still fighting for its return. Keep fighting!

– N

Here’s a great walkaround of the ORA Ballet Cat.

The last question comes from a fan who wants to buy an older Jeep Wrangler.

Q: (Via: AskNathan@TFL.com)

Hi Nathan,

Question number two!

I was thinking of getting a 1995 Jeep Wrangler, but I don’t know anything about them. I was looking at it as a possible second car for me to drive in the desert with some light off road adventure. Maybe I would take it to work a few days a week? I don’t know. I just think they look like a lot of fun!

What’s your opinion?

– SamSW89

A: Hi Sam!

Yes, those older Jeep Wranglers are excellent; however, there are a few things you need to look for if you’re serious about buying a used one. For newcomers, I usually recommend talking to a owner, or a former owner – if possible.

Pros:

  • Both the I4 and I6 are durable, and easy to work on engines.
  • Parts are fairly inexpensive, and maintenance is rudimentary
  • They are outstanding off-road, and are pretty robust overall
  • Upgrades are fairly inexpensive, and many can be added in your driveway with little skill
  • They are fairly inexpensive to buy – but expect a LOT of miles

Cons:

  • The 4.0-liter HO I6 is the way to go, if you want useable power on the road. Even with the HO, it’s pretty gutless.
  • Leaf-spring suspension dates back to covered wagons – and it feels it. Better suspensions for driving are easy to acquire.
  • Like any older vehicle, they are not that safe. Especially on the street. Drive with care.
  • Insurance will be high, and they are not that frugal – especially ones equipped with the automatic transmissions
  • They are terrible to tow with, and easy to steal.

Make sure to check for rust, and check those fluids. If it was used off-road, check the brakes, and the brake-lines. Make sure 4WD engages, and that the electrics all work. I recommend paying a local mechanic to look at it when you do a test drive.

Best of luck!

– N

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