VW plans faster, longer-range, higher-capacity charging for its MEB platform for mass-market electric vehicles
Volkswagen plans to offer faster charging, longer range and more power to electric vehicles based on its popular MEB platform, head of sales and marketing for electric vehicles VW ID said during the recent UBS Paris Electric Car Day conference.
During an ID car presentation, Dr Silke Bagschik said VW is aiming for 200 kW charging, 435 mile maximum range (WLTP) and 0-62 mph acceleration in 5.5 seconds. for all-wheel drive models. .
For reference, the current VW ID.4 crossover – the only ID model currently sold in the US – has a power output of 135 kW and has a range of 280 km in rear-wheel drive ID.4 Pro form. The Bagschik’s acceleration target won’t be a real improvement, however, as the VW Corporation of America has claimed the ID.4 Pro all-wheel drive system can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5, 4 seconds.
Improvement plan for Volkswagen MEB platform from UBS Paris Electric Car Day, April 2022
During the European WLTP cycle, the 435-mile range would represent a roughly 40% increase over the current top ID.4 rating. VW hasn’t revealed whether it plans to pack a larger battery, but with the evolution of battery power density, that could be part of the plan.
VW unveiled the MEB platform in 2018 and then considered it platform for 10 million EV. In addition to the ID.4, it is currently used on the ID.3 hatchback and ID.5 and ID.6 crossovers sold in other markets. Ford also has EV plans for Europe based platform.
Recent revelations VW ID. Buzz Valves are one of the larger vehicles that are based on the platform. Inspired by the VW Microbus, it’s expected to go on sale in Europe later this year, but a US version won’t be revealed until 2023 and won’t see dealers until 2024.
On the other end of the spectrum, VW also teased a “Small MEB“platform version for more affordable compact electric cars. At the 2021 Munich auto show, VW showed off a concept car called it ID.Life based on this version of the platform, which is said to have previewed a $24,000 EV for the European market.
