When Volkswagen pulled the plug on the Beetle last summer, after producing the final example in Mexico, the iconic model was not part of their major electric push – but that seems to have changed in the meantime.

That conclusion is drawn from a trademark application filed for the e-Beetle name with the EUIPO (European Intellectual Property Office) last week, which is currently under examination. Discovered by a member of the VWIDTalk forum, it can be used on pretty much anything automotive-related, from cars to technology features and parts.

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Does this mean than an electric Beetle is heading our way? Maybe, maybe not, as it is common practice for automakers to secure different monikers and never use them, a tactic that bars the competition from using the same nameplates – and the Beetle is a very important nameplate in the company’s history.

On the other hand, the e-Beetle would fall quite nicely in the newly launched ID family. It would be based on the MEB platform, which would make it compatible with several electric motors and battery packs – one could easily think of the e-Beetle as a more chic approach to the ID.3 compact hatchback.

In addition to the e-Beetle, Volkswagen is also in the process of securing three other nameplates, namely the e-Golf Classic, the e-Karmann and the e-Kubel. The information came via the VWIDTalk forum as well and pans out after checking the listings on the EUIPO, plus it ties in with VW’s big push towards electrification.

Note: 2012 VW e-Bugster Concept pictured