Meyers Manx Electric 2.0 Unveiled As All-Electric Dune Buggy With 202 HP

Meyers Manx is credited with creating the iconic dune buggy, a recreational vehicle designed for tackling sandy beaches and looking cool at the coast. Based on the original Volkswagen Beetle, the late Bruce Meyers started an automotive and cultural movement with his creation. Now, the company is introducing its first brand-new vehicle in six decades.

Simply known as the Electric 2.0, the newcomer retains the classically simple styling of its predecessors; something target customers will surely appreciate. But, as the name alludes to, there’s nothing old-fashioned about the internal workings. While still under development, Meyers Manx is primed to offer the Electric 2.0 in two flavors.

A 20-kWh battery will provide up to 150 miles of range, but power figures are still to be determined. However, the 40-kWh variant is expected to have 300 miles of travel range, 202 horsepower, and 240 lb-ft of torque. With an estimated curb weight of 1,650 lbs, it should be able to hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

The Californian company notes the Electric 2.0 will gain motivation from a twin-motor setup, both of which will provide “precise control” of each rear wheel. The motor, brakes, gear train, and inverter will all be housed in a single unit, most likely to save space. The all-electric dune buggy will utilize an all-aluminum monocoque chassis which will keep weight down.

At the rear, you’ll find independent rear suspension and regenerative braking. Stopping power is provided by discs at all four corners, while the e-brake is now electric. Elsewhere, the steering is also electrically assisted. Like the original, the exposed wheels boast chunky tires with old-school hubcaps, which work well with the curvaceous bodywork, seen here in dark green. There are a few nods to the modern era, though, especially at the rear.

Updated LED lights give Electric 2.0 a retro look, but it’s still clear to see where the design team gained inspiration from. Inside, you’ll find a well-crafted but minimalist dashboard, with body-colored inserts, lashings of chrome, and a centrally-placed speedometer. As standard, there will be a 6-kW charging system, but an optional DC fast charger (up to 60 kW) will be made available.

It’s markedly compact and measures just 123.5 inches in length. It’s not particularly wide either, at 70.3 inches. “The new Manx 2.0 Electric is designed to exceed expectations. It’s simple and endearing and taps into the spirit of playfulness. The ageless design brings out your inner child. It’s about passion,” commented CEO Freeman Thomas.

Although pricing is yet to be confirmed, the company will start taking Electric 2.0 pre-orders and applications through its website after the battery-powered buggy is unveiled to the public later this month. Customer deliveries will commence in 2024, although a special Meyers Manx Beta program is hoping to deliver 50 cars to special customers in 2023. We expect to learn more about the newcomer as time goes by.

Similar to what Cadillac is doing, this will allow the first customers to provide feedback to the company as they perfect the final product. Volkswagen also toyed with the idea of an electrified buggy but shelved plans in favor of a rugged SUV. In the meantime, the German automaker has set about turning the ID.4 into a bona fide rally car.