Many manufacturers have high ambitions when it comes to their brand’s electric car aims, but one firm is being a bit more daring than the rest: Volkswagen.
The brand wants to go carbon neutral by 2050, and in just 10 years it’s aiming to have 22 million electric cars on the road.
The process towards electrification has already started, with the brand having its e-Golf and e-Up! on the road for several years already, but it’s 2019 that will be the turning point for Volkswagen when its first standalone electric car is launched – the ID.3.
This Golf-sized model was previewed by a concept some years ago as part of the ID range, which is the name for VW’s future electric sub-brand. But there have been a number of concepts since that showcase its future electric models. Here’s what Volkswagen has shown us so far.
The original ID.
It was back in 2016 when Volkswagen kickstarted its EV ambitions with the ID. range – this car being the original concept.
This model lays the foundation of the ID.3 hatchback that customers can now pre-order via the Volkswagen website (over 15,000 have already done so), with the production model set to be unveiled in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
ID. Buzz
The Camper is one of Volkswagen’s most iconic products, so it’s little surprise that as part of VW’s electrification goals, the minibus (or camper van) is likely to return.
The ID. Buzz showed its face at the Detroit Motor Show in 2017 as an eight-seater people-carrier capable of travelling up to 373 miles on a single charge.
ID. Crozz
The all-electric all-wheel-drive ID. Crozz was unveiled at the 2017 Shanghai motor show as an EV aimed at those with an ‘active lifestyle’ and to slot into the highly lucrative crossover market.
A production model is set to be the second ID. model to follow on from the ID.3 and is expected to be smaller than the Tiguan Allspace.
ID Vizzion
Perhaps the most forward-thinking of all Volkswagen’s electric concepts, the Vizzion is just that – a look-ahead at the future.
The ID. Vizzion features Level 5 autonomous technology and previews the next-generation Volkswagen premium saloon.
ID. Buggy
Volkswagen is known for its Beetle-derived dune buggies, and at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen unveiled an all-electric concept buggy.
The model is quite clearly harking back to the original, and while no production model has been revealed, the concept helps to show the flexibility of the firm’s MEB platform, which underpins its electric models. That’s particularly important as VW is looking to sell the platform to other manufacturers – even those outside of the Volkswagen Group.
ID. Roomzz
SUVs are fundamental to any large manufacturer’s success these days, and the ID. Roomzz showcases a large electric seven-seater from Volkswagen.
The production model that will arise from this concept has been designed to be a Chinese-only version – such is China’s appetite for electric cars – but it could be sold elsewhere.
This concept was unveiled earlier this year at the Shanghai motor show and can also drive itself autonomously. A production model is expected in 2021.
