The French supercar manufacturer only has two models on the lineup right now: the Veyron and the Chiron. Things may change eventually, though, because the company is actively looking into launching a third, ‘everyday driving-friendly’ model.
Bugatti CEO Stephan Winkelmann emphasized in a recent interview that no final decision has been reached yet. The luxury marque is owned by Volkswagen Group, and the latter is currently focusing all its efforts on R&D of affordable all-electric cars. Working alone on its third model, Bugatti might run into serious financial difficulties.
If the project does get approval, then the car will most likely assume the shape of an SUV. Bugatti insists on designing its own chassis from scratch, rather than reusing any of the existing VW platforms, reasoning that the latter approach does not go well with the image of the luxury brand.
According to Winkelmann, the main problem right now is the unacceptably long charging time of modern EVs. A Bugatti electric vehicle has to be able to fill itself about as fast as a regular gas-powered car does – which is impossible at the current stage of tech advancement. Then again, a Bugatti owner is most likely to have a few other luxury cars as well.
The proposed EV will go on sale in countries where the charging networks and other infrastructure are the most developed. This includes Great Britain, both USA coasts, and Asia.
The 3D renderings shown here are unofficial concept art, because the ‘affordable’ Bugatti likely won’t premiere until at least 2025.