Photo: Volkswagen
A few days ago, Volkswagen released the first official details on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB), which was developed for its future line of electric cars. This platform is hoped to underpin 10 million new vehicles and is also likely to make them cheaper than other EVs out there.
In fact, said Volkswagen in a new release about the MEB, to soon-to-be launched ID electric car will be a fully connected four-door compact that will cost about the same as a Golf diesel. For reference, the ICE-powered Golf starts at around $20,000, while the electric e-Golf retails from around $30,000.
But aside for an electric drive, and despite the rather low promised price, the ID is a car that will “rewrite class limitations.”
Using the MEB and its long wheelbase, Volkswagen plans to build a car big enough at the interior to be comparable to the next higher vehicle class. Having no internal engine and the axles placed farther out also contributes to the increased space.
As will be the case for the entire line of electric VWs, the ID will have the battery placed in the floor, allowing for a high seating position.
Depending on the battery chosen by the customers, the range of the ID can be anywhere between 330 and 550 km (205 to 310 miles). A fast charge 125 kWh system will allow the batteries to reach 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes.
This first car of the ID family, built on the new MEB platform, will be launched in 2020, meaning an official presentation will take place no later than next year.
Aside for the ID family, the MEB platform will also underpin cars from three other VW brands: Audi, SEAT, and Skoda.
“The modular electric drive matrix (MEB) is arguably the most important project in the history of Volkswagen, similar to the transition from the Beetle to the Golf,” said in a statement Thomas Ulbrich, the man in charge with VW’s e-mobility efforts.
“It will be the foundation for more than 10 million e-cars throughout the Group in the first wave and will blaze our trail to the age of electricity.”
But aside for an electric drive, and despite the rather low promised price, the ID is a car that will “rewrite class limitations.”
Using the MEB and its long wheelbase, Volkswagen plans to build a car big enough at the interior to be comparable to the next higher vehicle class. Having no internal engine and the axles placed farther out also contributes to the increased space.
As will be the case for the entire line of electric VWs, the ID will have the battery placed in the floor, allowing for a high seating position.
Depending on the battery chosen by the customers, the range of the ID can be anywhere between 330 and 550 km (205 to 310 miles). A fast charge 125 kWh system will allow the batteries to reach 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes.
This first car of the ID family, built on the new MEB platform, will be launched in 2020, meaning an official presentation will take place no later than next year.
Aside for the ID family, the MEB platform will also underpin cars from three other VW brands: Audi, SEAT, and Skoda.
“The modular electric drive matrix (MEB) is arguably the most important project in the history of Volkswagen, similar to the transition from the Beetle to the Golf,” said in a statement Thomas Ulbrich, the man in charge with VW’s e-mobility efforts.
“It will be the foundation for more than 10 million e-cars throughout the Group in the first wave and will blaze our trail to the age of electricity.”
Google News