Volkswagen has added another piece to its EV puzzle with the introduction of the ID.Life concept, a front-wheel drive electric vehicle for city dwellers, the company announced at the IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich. The little crossover shares the MEB platform and battery with the ID.3, and VW plans to launch it in Europe (not the US) by 2025.
Volkswagen
The ID.Life is powered by a 231 hp motor and a 57.0 kWh battery, which is significantly larger than the 35 kWh battery in the Honda electric city car. Like the rear-wheel drive ID.3, which is also only available in Europe, it should cover around 400 kilometers with one charge over Europe’s generous WLTP cycle.
Like other electric cars that we see in Munich, the ID.Life concept is intended to show how VW can create more sustainable vehicles. Wood chips are used as a natural dye in the clearcoat, while the air-chamber textile for the roof is made from 100 percent recycled PET bottles. Other materials are wood in the dashboard and ArtVelours Eco seats as well as natural rubber, bio oil and rice hulls in the tires.
Volkswagen
Using the wide open MEB platform, the interior can be transformed by folding down the front and / or rear seats. “This opens up different possibilities, from cinema seating to a bed about two meters long to a cargo version that maximizes luggage volume,” says VW.
The interior is reduced, with a digital screen set into the hexagonal steering wheel in place of a traditional touchscreen display. Your smartphone can also be plugged in and used to operate navigation, audio systems, and more. It also has a built-in video game console and projector, no less, with a projection screen sticking out of the dash when needed.
Volkswagen
Some, all, or none of these versatile concept features may be incorporated into the production car, which is expected to hit the European market by 2025. Volkswagen suggested a price starting at around 20,000 euros. With this EV, the ID.3 and others, the aim is to increase its share of all-electric sales in Europe to “at least 70 percent” by 2030. The US is aiming for an EV mix of 50 percent.
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