The production version will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Volkswagen is working on an electric hatchback for its I.D. lineup. It hasn’t been seen much, but spy photographers captured a prototype being tested in the north. The working title of the prototype is I.D., but an official name has yet to be determined. It’s called Neo, but it doesn’t matter what it is called, it’s more human-centric than some of VWs other electric vehicles.
We have some understanding of the underside of the bodywork. We are all electric pros, and our colleagues. InsideEVs tell us that the VeeDub should have a range of at least 342 miles (550 km) using a 150 kW motor. This will be the launch vehicle. However, a lower-end model should be available with approximately 205 miles (335 km) of range within a few years. This is in line with the range estimates that we have heard for vehicles within the 200-300-mile range. It should be able to charge using a fast 125 kW DC charging system.
lthough acceleration times aren’t known, we expect the car will reach a top speed around 112 mph (180 km/h), so it won’t necessarily be a low-speed city runabout. Pricing for the I.D. is another interesting fact. Neo will be priced at around EUR30,000 for the top-end model. Base models with a lower range will start at EUR24,000. This is equivalent to between $33,800 and $27,000 in U.S. dollars. However, it doesn’t really matter as VW currently has no plans to bring the EV hatchback to North America.
However, Euro-shoppers won’t be waiting too long. The official debut of the as-yet unnamed electric hatch by VW is expected to take place at the Frankfurt Motor Show later in the year. American buyers who are eager to purchase an EV from VW must wait for the I.D. Crozz is currently expected to arrive in 2020.