Volkswagen completes design work on new EV platform
Tue, Jan 10 2017
VW expects to start selling its first model specifically designed as an EV (i.e., not converted from existing conventional models such as the Golf and Up!) by 2020. Welsch added that the MEB platform may be used as a base for updated electrified versions of Golf, Tiguan, and Passat. Meanwhile, Skoda will debut as many as five plug-in models by 2025.
Europe's largest automaker is looking to further distance itself from the 2015 scandal that involved software that cheats diesel-emissions testing efforts and has cost the company more than $15 billion in US settlements alone. All told, VW and its divisions expect to debut as many as 30 plug-in vehicle models within the next decade.
Volkswagen unveiled its I.D. concept vehicle, which is based on the MEB platform and looks somewhat like the BMW i3 electric-vehicle model, at last year's Paris Motor Show. VW said at the time that the vehicle could go as far as 373 miles on a single charge. Additionally, VW will show off an electric SUV concept model at this year's Shanghai Auto Show, and is unveiling a microbus version of the I.D. concept at the Detroit Auto Show this month.
Related Video:
Featured Gallery Volkswagen I.D. Concept: Paris 2016
View 16 Photos
- News Source: Automotive News Europe-sub.req.
- Green
- Volkswagen
- SEAT
- Skoda
- Green Automakers
- Electric
- Hybrid
- meb
By Danny King
See also: Recharge Wrap-up: Smart Fortwo engine fires, Tesla finalist for Extole Advocacy and Customer Experience award, The Volkswagen Group switches official language to English, The Volkswagen Group switches official language to English.