BERLIN: Volkswagen might be forging ahead with its switch to electric mobility, but the auto giant's electric vehicles have so far largely remained exclusive to those with extra cash to spend compared to the price of a diesel or petrol.
But the company is now sharing details on its plans for a more affordable line of electric cars, starting with the ID Life.
Volkswagen has announced that it wants this car, a concept of which has been unveiled, to become the new entry-level EV for its electric fleet by the middle of the decade.
Its home market starting price is set to be comparatively low at around €20,000 (RM97,000), with further members of the Life family set to follow soon after, Volkswagen says.
In addition to the T-Cross-style crossover unveiled earlier this year, VW is also planning a conventional small car along the lines of the Polo.
And since the ID Life has a Targa roof (with a removable roof centre section), the company says it may also develop a completely open version.
All models will share the same MEB modular electric construction platform, which has, however, been somewhat shortened for the 4.09-metre-long ID Life.
In addition, the engine in these small cars will be moved from the rear to the front for reasons of cost and weight.
Inside, the operating system is to be simplified and reduced even further, with fewer switches and a smartphone as display. However, the production model will probably not have a head-up display instead of conventional instruments - especially given the low pricing.
But, according to many experts, this clashes with the design of the drive system, which is generously dimensioned for a vehicle in this size and price class.
According to VW, the 57kWh of battery capacity are sufficient for up to 400km of driving and with 234hp the ID Life can reach up to 180kph.
But VW says nothing is final yet. "We are showing here what is possible. We can always downgrade later," the company's engineers say.
