Red-Bug

This vehicle was built for the 2025 STEM Show, where the theme was “100 Years Ago.” The Automotive Club chose to recreate a replica of the historic Auto Red Bug, one of the earliest small electric cars ever produced.

Our team rebuilt the Red Bug with its original charm and character while integrating modern student-built engineering. The replica includes working lights, a functional horn, and a fully operational electric drivetrain.

The vehicle is fully drivable and capable of high performance, with a theoretical top speed of around 50 km/h, although it becomes unstable abowve roughly 20 km/h, where we normally limit operation for safety.

This project combined historical research, design adaptation, fabrication, and electrical integration, resulting in a faithful and functional recreation of a pioneering electric vehicle.

How it was made

The Red Bug replica is built on a steel frame with wooden planks used for the floor, staying close to the construction style of the original vehicle. The seats were custom-made by our team using wood, designed to match the period look while remaining functional. The electric motor is mounted behind the passenger seat, and the vehicle includes a dedicated electrical box that houses the batteries and main electrical components. This layout allowed us to keep the design compact while maintaining accessibility for maintenance and safety.