Volkswagen: The future belongs to electric vehicles
THE TURNAROUND There is a spirit of optimism in Wolfsburg. The first member of the new electric family is set to take to the stage in mid-2020. It will probably be available to order this spring. The bottom line is that it will be no more expensive than a Golf with a combustion engine, but will offer numerous advantages in terms of space, comfort and, of course, environmental compatibility. ID [...]
The bottom line is that it will not be more expensive than a Golf with a combustion engine, but will offer numerous advantages in terms of space, comfort and, of course, environmental compatibility. ID is the name of the first compact representative of the newly invented mobility, an ID Cross with SUV genes is set to follow soon, followed by an ID Buzz minivan, and the ID Vizzion saloon will conclude the series for the time being.
New technologies for saving energy
In the ID, which can be equipped with batteries of different strengths that should enable a range of between 330 and 550 kilometers, new technology helps to save energy. For example, an on-board heat pump significantly reduces the need for electric heating. With its help, consumption can be reduced by three to four kWh per 100 kilometers by using the waste heat from the drive.
The balance of the electric car is significantly more favorable compared to a diesel engine. VW calculates that six liters of diesel contain 60 kWh of energy. This is enough for the combustion engine for around 100 kilometers, whereas an electric car would travel around 400 kilometers on this amount.
Cooperation with Elli and Ionity
With the green electricity provider Elli and the fast-charging network Ionity, VW also wants to improve the infrastructure for supplying electric cars. According to the manufacturer's expectations, 50 percent of customers will charge their electric car at a wallbox at home, while 20 percent will do so at work. Public charging stations would cover around 25 percent of the supply, with only five percent using the electric charging stations on highways.
Concentration on pure electric vehicles
According to market observers, the number of vehicles with alternative drive systems could develop very differently in the individual markets by 2040. VW is focusing primarily on purely electric vehicles, with 50 new models to be launched by 2025.
