Volkswagen unveiled a concept car on Wednesday that offers the first real look at a promised affordable EV due to be unveiled for the European market in 2025. The Volkswagen ID.2 concept previews a future production model that will have a base price of 25,000 euros (about $26,500 at today’s exchange rates) and use a new variant of the automaker’s ubiquitous MEB platform known as the MEB entry. It is one of 10 new electric models that VW plans to launch globally by 2026. The ID.2all is a hatchback with somewhat more traditional styling than current ID-family models such as the ID.4 crossover. The angular rear roof pillar is a callback to the gasoline Volkswagen Golf, an interesting addition considering reports that the VW e-Golf could return following delays for the automaker’s Project Trinity flagship EV. Volkswagen ID.2all Concept At 159.4 inches long, the ID.2all is nearly two feet shorter than the ID.4, with a 6.6-inch shorter wheelbase. It is also 4.3 inches lower and 1.6 inches narrower than the crossover. According to VW, those dimensions translate between 17.3 cubic feet and 46.9 cubic feet of storage space. Range is estimated at just under 280 miles on the European WLTP test cycle. Battery capacity isn’t disclosed, but DC fast charging takes a claimed 20 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. The infotainment system also has an EV route planner to help with charging stops and the ID.lite and travel assist features from current MEB models. Power comes from a single electric motor producing 222 hp, which VW says is enough for 0-62 mph in less than 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 99 mph. The ID.2all is also the first MEB-based vehicle with front-wheel drive; All others to date are single-motor rear-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive. In addition to the MEB entry architecture of the Volkswagen ID.2all concept ID.2all, VW is expected to launch an updated version of the core MEB platform called MEB+ with charging and battery updates. This will give the MEB platform, first detailed in 2018, a mid-decade boost to keep up with changes in the EV market. Ahead of the production ID.2all’s unveiling for Europe (it hasn’t been confirmed for the US), VW will launch a refreshed version of the European-market ID.3 hatchback, plus a long-wheelbase version of the ID.Buzz van. and the ID.7 sedan, both due to arrive in the US in 2024. They will be followed by a compact electric SUV in 2026, VW confirmed. VW is also planning a cheaper EV starting at less than 20,000 euros (about $21,000 at current exchange rates). The ID.Life concept VW may unveil in 2021, which the automaker said will be based on a pared-down version of the MEB platform called the MEB Small.
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