There were some rumors that the Volkswagen Group in Germany was in talks with Malaysian businessmen to propose a joint-venture for our new national car program, the electric car for Malaysians. This remains a rumor.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen is on a strong offensive to release a few electric vehicles starting very soon with this all new model called simply ‘I.D.’
This all new Volkswagen nameplate, known internally as “MEB Entry”, will take the form of a five-seater compact crossover that will join five other upcoming models in VW’s ID electric range. These include the Crozz SUV, Aero sport brake, Buzz microbus, Vizzion saloon and the Neo hatchback.
Volkswagen announced recently that it plans to convert its German factories in Emden and Hanover to prepare for its EV product offensive.
The Volkswagen ID hatchback uses “permanent-magnet type” electric motors instead of the induction motors found on Tesla’s Model S saloon and Model X SUV. Permanent-magnet motors allow cars to accelerate more smoothly and are therefore easier to drive in traffic conditions.
This new Volkswagen will be able to travel up to 550 km on a single charge (WLTP), and it will go on sale for “the price of a modern Golf Diesel”, which means a little less than RM140,000 before local taxes for the top version.
Christian Senger, VW’s Head of Product Line for E-Mobility, recently said that the vehicle will be offered in 3 battery configurations. The two other versions are expected to have a WLTP range of about 330km (205 miles) and 450 km (280 miles).
Other information that has leaked in the past few months includes the option of 7.2 kW and 11 kW onboard chargers for level 2 charging and the DC fast-charging capability will support a charge rate up to 125 kW.
More information will be shared after its launch.
