CES 2016: Volkswagen teases video of new Microbus concept

Volkswagen has released a short video that teases the pure-electric concept car it will unveil at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on January 6.

Yet to reveal its name, Volkswagen says the new vehicle “marks the beginning of a new era of affordable long-distance electromobility” and the vehicle will “demonstrate the benefits to the customer that VW will be able to deliver in the near future thanks to the increasing interconnectedness of the motor car”.

It’s hoped the concept will be a 21st Century reinterpretation of the original Kombi.

As reported, Volkswagen is expected to announce that the Microbus will be made at its Puebla factory in Mexico and be on sale in 2017.

Using the latest Volkswagen Group lithium-ion battery technology, the production version of a Microbus could have a range as great as 500km.

Despite its emphasis on pure-electric power, a conventional small turbo and diesel engines are also expected to be offered.

The new Kombi concept is expected to draw heavy influence from the 2011 Bulli unveiled at the Geneva motor show.

Back in 2011, the Bulli (pictured) was powered by a 40kWh lithium-ion battery pack that sat below the floor. With an electric motor that produced 85kW, the concept was capable of a 0-100km/h sprint in 11.5 seconds with a top speed of 130km/h.

Expect at least one more tease before the new concept is revealed next week.