Volkswagen has pulled the wraps off their ID Concept at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. Well, not really, as the German automaker has released official pictures and specifications for their new landmark EV just hours prior to the official ceremony.
As we can see, the Volkswagen ID is a normal sized five-door hatch that doesn't differ all that much from the kind of cars we’re used to seeing on the roads today. But the EV concept will evolve into a car that will likely become a common sight as plans for full-scale production is set to commence in 2020.
The ID will be the first one to use Volkswagen’s Modular Electric Drive (MEB) platform but those advancements aren’t all that apparent yet. There are futuristic touches too, such as the all-round subtle illumination and wheels that look to be missing tyres entirely, but also more present day ones like a panoramic glass roof.
Despite visual mix between a hatch-like footprint and an MPV-esque silhouette, the ID shape is meant to be as aerodynamically efficient as possible to conserve as much of its power reserves as possible over a given journey.
Volkswagen quotes a predicted average range of between 400km and 590km on a single charge via its single electric motor producing 125kW. Supposedly, the ID’s party piece is its ability to replenish its depleted battery to full (or close to full) capacity in roughly 15 minutes, possibly somehow using the curious circular depressions on the car’s extended rear roof spoiler.
While that’s certainly more than the average time at the pumps now, it’s in order of magnitudes quicker than the hours needed for even the most advanced EVs of today with high voltage charging stations.
If true, this new technology from Volkswagen could truly end the ‘range anxiety’ that’s been plaguing the EV adoption rate.
No interior pictures were released but expect the ID to be loaded with tech even in concept form and that list of features to grow as it nears its production start in four years. It still has a steering wheel, which is reassuring, but self-driving functionality should be baked in and to serve as a big selling point.
For more on Volkswagen vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
