VW Beetle electric conversion:
600+ hp and 3.1 seconds
ESDI developed the complete drive system of this cult classic – from the motor to the electronics. A training project that went viral worldwide.
The vehicle
FOTOS: HERBIE-RECHARGED.COM / ANDRITZ METALS GERMANY
From legend to future
The 1964 VW Beetle is a legend. HERBIE RECHARGED shows what this classic can achieve with contemporary drive technology. ANDRITZ Metals Germany in Hemer electrified the car over twelve months – a training project in which more than ten apprentices took part.
The result exceeds every expectation: a Tesla motor delivers over 600 hp, 17 Porsche Taycan modules form the 50 kWh battery. 3.1 seconds to 100 km/h – at only 80% power. Weight controlled at 1,300 kg with a precise 60/40 distribution. Only the original body remained – everything else is new.
Komplette Elektrifizierung
ESDI took over the complete electrification – motor, battery management system, control units, wiring. Every step thought through, every value documented. Everything else comes from specialists: BMW chassis, functional rear, aluminum frame from South Africa, Audi underbody from the 4.2 V8 biturbo, ventilation based on Porsche GT3 RS logic. Two power modes: 200 hp for the road, 600+ hp for the track.
Project timeline
Viraler Durchbruch
HERBIE RECHARGED was a viral hit – over 1.5 million views across JP Performance, Halle 77, Speed Engineering and ESDI. Coverage in Motor1, CarScoops, Autoblog, HotCars, InsideEVs and numerous German media. Essen Motor Show, PACE Museum, Bilster Berg, THE AREA, Airmighty Show – the Beetle was everywhere.
Internationale Berichterstattung
Involved in the project
Specifications
| Motor | Tesla Large Drive Unit |
| Power | 600+ PS (200 PS Straßenmodus) |
| Battery | 17× Porsche Taycan Module, 50 kWh |
| 0–100 km/h | 3.1 seconds (at 80% power) |
| Range | ~250 km |
| Weight | 1.300 kg (60/40 Verteilung) |
| Fahrwerk | BMW-Komponenten |
| Unterboden | Audi 4.2 V8 Biturbo |
| Cooling | Nach Porsche GT3 RS Logik |
| Basis | VW Beetle, built 1964 |
| Bauzeit | 12 Monate |
| Bauherr | ANDRITZ Metals Germany, Hemer |
Sixth place at the European Tuning Showdown
In May 2026, Herbie competed in Friedrichshafen as the only fully electric conversion in the European Tuning Showdown – the European final of hand-picked top vehicles. Against resto-mods and widebody builds from all over Europe, the Beetle took sixth place. The proof: electrification stands on equal footing in the tuning scene.
"…an apprentice project around project leader Jan Brüggemann, which enters the race with a fully electric VW Beetle from 1964 with more than 500 hp."
— Tuning World Bodensee, Pressemitteilung 13. Mai 2026
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