Volkswagen edged out Tesla and showed off its cheap electric future

throughout the first two months of 2023the electric car world has been impacted simultaneously by last year’s final global sales figures, the arrival in Europe of the cheapest chinese cars to those of generalist brands such as MG4and the decisions of Tesla first and then Ford, to lower the price of its electric vehicle models to make them more affordable for the average consumer.

In this scenario, it was naturally expected that other companies would take a stand on the issue, and most of them eyes pointed at Volkswagen, to be the brand that competes in European markets with the brand of Elon Musk. The Germans quickly responded to the journalistic request, which It was not in his plans to lower the prices of his ID.3 and ID.4, with which, somehow, they seemed to be at a disadvantage compared to the competition.

Then the idea of ​​the appearance of a kind of electric Golfwhich had nothing to do with what was known in 2021 under the vintage concept called IDENTIFIER. Lifeuntil this Wednesday in Hamburg, the game was finally understood, since without too much prior information, the prototype of the Volkswagen ID. 2alla car that the manufacturers themselves define as being as big as a Golf but as accessible as a Polo, since it will cost around 25,000 euros when it is released in 2025.

It was the response that was expected from the brand to the latest movements in the market and the need to compete there with a vehicle that would solve the problem of cost, autonomy and versatility.

In appearance, in fact, the lines of this new electric model are very similar to those of a volkswagen golf, although this car is a bit more compact. AT 4.05 meters long, 1.81 meters wide, 1.53 meters high and the wheelbase is 2.60 meters. However, the front design is aesthetically related to the ID .3 and in general with the ID range, the range of electric cars that already has four products, including the ID. Buzz.

But the real novelty is not in the form, which is also fundamental because with the cars one “enters by the eyes” before by any other side, but rather by the technical characteristics of the ID. 2 garlic

It is the first electric model built on the basis of the latest evolution of the modular electric propulsion platform (MEB), called MEB Entry. It will be VW’s first electric car with front-wheel drive, and it will have a target range of 450 km WLTP cycle, thanks to “particularly efficient charging, battery and driving technology”, as announced by the spokespersons. Charging this battery will only take 20 minutes to go from 10 to 80% connect the car to a DC charging station. In addition, a charger capable of receiving up to 11 kW in alternating current will be added.

The electric motor will be located in the front part, it will have a power of 166 kW equivalent to 222 hpwhich will allow it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7 seconds, and it will reach a top speed of 160km/h. It will have 20-inch wheels with 225/40 R20 tyres.

Inside, the minimalist design of the Volkswagen ID is also reflected in the ID. 2all, with a sunroof offering plenty of interior lighting. Two screens on the dashboarda 12.9-inch cluster in the center and 10.9-inches behind the steering wheel, are complemented by a rotary dial-type joystick that controls other vehicle functions on the lower console.

The vehicle is equipped with high-level digital and electronic equipment, since it incorporates a semi-automatic driving system called Travel assistanceMatrix headlights IQ.LIGHTelectric route planner, Power Seats with massage function, a new multifunction steering wheel with two left and right swivel wheels and load of wireless cell phones in all places.

“We are rapidly and fundamentally transforming the business with a clear objective: Volkswagen a true “brand of love”. The identity. 2all shows what the brand wants to promote in general: proximity to the customer, cutting-edge technologies and fantastic design. We are accelerating the transformation to take electric mobility to the next level,” he said. Thomas SchaeferCEO of Volkswagen during the presentation of the brand’s smallest electric vehicle.

The identification of the new model with the successful Golf is not accidental, but part of a philosophy that began with the Volkswagen “Kombi” called ID. Buzz. “We are moving the The DNA of our icons of the future. The identity. 2all is therefore also a tribute to the Beetle, the Golf and the Polo,” he said. Andreas MindtHead of Volkswagen Design.

At the same event, the brand confirmed that it is the first of 10 new electric models to be introduced until 2026, among which would be an even more compact car, eventually dubbed ID. 1, which will seek to provide access to a sustainable vehicle with an investment of around 20,000 euros. The challenge is on, we will now have to wait for the moment to know the characteristics and deadlines of the accessible car that Elon Musk has promised.

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