Volkswagen Unveils ‘Budget’ BEV Concept for Europe
Volkswagen has revealed its first ‘budget’ BEV in the shape of the urban-targeted ID.2all concept.
It hopes to be able to market this compact vehicle at less than €25,000 ($26,792) in Europe undercutting any rival domestic producer ahead of the expected invasion of the market by cheaper Chinese vehicles. While it is aimed at the city commuter, it still manages to pack a punch claiming a beefy 166 kW/223bhp electric motor integrated into and driving the front axle and claiming a 0-to-62mph sprint time in less than seven seconds. The battery also claims a calculated WLTP range of up to 280 miles. At DC quick-charging stations, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes. The battery is charged with up to 11 kW at home or at public AC charging points.
A production version is expected to enter European markets by 2025 with no plans, as yet, to market it elsewhere. Volkswagen says it is also working on an electric car at a price of less than €25,000 ($21,433) as it aims to achieve an electric car share of 80% in Europe.
Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars: “We are transforming the company rapidly and fundamentally – with the clear objective of making Volkswagen a genuine Love Brand. The ID. 2all shows where we want to take the brand: close to the customer, top technologies and a fantastic design. We are implementing the transformation at pace to bring electric mobility to the masses.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
