Volkswagen is getting serious about EVs. Prompted into action after the diesel scandal, Volkswagen is taking its future in a new direction. The company’s goal is to have 15 different EV models sold globally by 2025, ideally making up 15 percent of the company’s sales, according to Hinrich J. Woebcken, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. VW has invested billions in a new MEB platform, which offers capability, versatility and range far beyond that of the current Volkswagen e-Golf.
Volkswagen announced that there will initially be four vehicles based on this platform: the I.D., a Golf-size hatchback; the I.D. Crozz compact SUV, the I.D. Buzz people-mover, with styling reminiscent of the classic VW Bus, and a yet-to-be-named sedan.
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Range of 300 miles promised
Three of the four vehicles are coming to the U.S. (the I.D. likely isn’t coming here), the first of them being a production version of the I.D. Crozz concept, expected to arrive in 2020. While we don’t yet know many specifics of the production model, the fully electric concept SUV offers 302 horsepower, a range as good as 300 miles and 4Motion all-wheel drive.
“The I.D. Crozz-based electric vehicle will be an affordable and stylish electric SUV—and there is more to come,” Woebcken said. “The I.D. Crozz and the I.D. Buzz will help Volkswagen to kick off an EV revolution in the United States. All of our I.D. concept cars demonstrate the inherent flexibility, driving range and smart design that can serve the needs of 21st century drivers.”
Because of the layout of the new MEB platform, the I.D. Crozz is said to be about the size of the VW Tiguan (with a design more like that of a 4-door coupe) with the interior space of a midsize SUV. Power comes from an 83-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors, one on each axle. Cool concept features include voice-activated doors and trunk, front doors that open a full 90 degrees, and the interior versatility created by the combination of rear sliding doors and no B-pillar, which makes it easy to stow large objects. The I.D. Crozz’s open space design gives the interior an airy, spacious feel, while many controls are operated through voice commands and gestures. There’s also a 10.2-inch touch screen, where you control communications, climate and infotainment.
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Self-driving tech, too
All I.D. concept vehicles have the I.D. Pilot self-driving system, planned to enter production in 2025. You’ll be able to choose to drive the car yourself or have the I.D. Pilot system do it for you. The I.D. line is designed for quick recharges. The Crozz is said to recover 80 percent of its charge in 30 minutes with a 150-kWh DC charger.
Following the Crozz, the production version of the I.D. Buzz is expected to arrive in America by 2022. Volkswagen didn’t announce an on-sale date for the sedan, but we anticipate that model will go on sale soon after the Buzz.
