Photo: Volkswagen
Traditionally, we’re used to thinking about a car’s drivetrain in large terms, as since their inception, engines have occupied about a third of the car’s total size. But with the advent of electric drives, that could soon change.
Most of the electric cars available today, as do the ones that will surface in the near future, keep to the traditional car design with a front hood, the passenger compartment and a rear boot. But that could easily change, given the size and adaptability of the electric powertrain.
As it gears up for the market launch of the ID.3, Volkswagen decided to show just how small the electric drive for this car is. So it took it, complete with the 1-speed gearbox that controls it, and fitted it inside a sports bag. That’s right, a sports bag.
This is, of course, a publicity stunt, but one that goes to show this technology does not need to be massive to pack a punch. The drivetrain you see in the photo above is the 204 ps, 310 Nm of torque unit that will go into one of the ID.3 variants.
And it’s lightweight, too. The brushless entire assemble (called APP 310 in German speak), weighs just 90 kg, or the value you would get from a slightly overweight, medium-height male.
It is this exact drivetrain that will form the backbone of Volkswagen’s electric ambitions. Currently in production at the VW facility in Kassel, Germany, and Tianjin, China, it will invade the world at a rate of 1.4 million units per year starting 2023.
All these plans, of course, are counting on the market success of the ID.3. This model is the locomotive for the electric VW family, and will start shipping to customers from mid-2020. For now, only the 1st edition of the model is available, using a mid-range battery good for 420 km (261 miles).
As it gears up for the market launch of the ID.3, Volkswagen decided to show just how small the electric drive for this car is. So it took it, complete with the 1-speed gearbox that controls it, and fitted it inside a sports bag. That’s right, a sports bag.
This is, of course, a publicity stunt, but one that goes to show this technology does not need to be massive to pack a punch. The drivetrain you see in the photo above is the 204 ps, 310 Nm of torque unit that will go into one of the ID.3 variants.
And it’s lightweight, too. The brushless entire assemble (called APP 310 in German speak), weighs just 90 kg, or the value you would get from a slightly overweight, medium-height male.
It is this exact drivetrain that will form the backbone of Volkswagen’s electric ambitions. Currently in production at the VW facility in Kassel, Germany, and Tianjin, China, it will invade the world at a rate of 1.4 million units per year starting 2023.
All these plans, of course, are counting on the market success of the ID.3. This model is the locomotive for the electric VW family, and will start shipping to customers from mid-2020. For now, only the 1st edition of the model is available, using a mid-range battery good for 420 km (261 miles).
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