The Volkswagen Beetle is an economy car produced by the German auto maker Volkswagen (VW) from 1938 until 2003. Richard from Olympia, Washington is very concerned about the world we’re leaving to our children and grandchildren. That’s why he converted his 1975 Volkswagen Beetle to run on electricity nine years ago. The batteries provide a range of 50 miles so he could get to his work and back. And it’s a real green car, because the energy comes from solar panels on the roof of his house.