Flexibility and ability to move freely - Volkswagen's economical ID.2 electric vehicle makes an early entrance onto the market.
The electric car market is showing signs of progress towards more affordable options, with the VW ID.2 set to hit the scene sooner than initially thought. "Autocar" magazine claims that VW will unveil the completed model this year and begin sales in 2023.
Previously, it was anticipated that the ID.2 would be revealed in 2025 and production would commence later.
VW ID.2 borrowing more from traditional combustion engines
"Autocar" shares that the car's design is now complete. Andreas Mindt, head of Volkswagen Design, teased that the ID.2 will be "even better" than the concept (shown in the image). What else can Mindt, who is in charge of the project, say?
If reports that the concept can be seen in the final car hold true, the ID.2 could effectively be called a Polo - since its design aligns more closely with conventional internal combustion engines within the company.
The ID.2 will be the first electric vehicle from VW to be built on the new "MEB Entry" platform. "Autocar" predicts the car will have front-wheel drive and a power output of 226 PS. The range should reach 450 kilometers. If VW can manage to charge the battery quickly in the critical 10 to 80 percent timeframe, this would be enough for a short to medium-distance vehicle. "Autocar" anticipates a 20-minute charging time and a maximum charging power of 125 kilowatts.
The ID.2 platform allows for two different batteries - 38 and 56 kilowatt-hours. The 450-kilometer range applies to the larger battery, as per "Autocar." It's said that only the smaller battery variant will be available at the entry-level price.
A more button-filled cabin and premium materials
Interior designer Darius Watola spoke to "Autocar" concerning the entry model. He disclosed that VW has abandoned the touchscreen-centric interaction from the new Golf and ID.3 in favor of real buttons and controls. This aligns with a statement from company boss Thomas Schäfer, who admitted last year that the change in operation led to a great deal of customer dissatisfaction and tarnished the brand.
Similarly, VW plans to shift away from the inexpensive-looking interior that drew criticism over the ID.3. It's said that the automaker will start using more fabrics like Alcantara to make the car appear more precious overall.
VW aims to offer the ID.2 for under €25,000. This would place it (at current prices) €8,330 below the lowest-priced ID.3.
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The Volkswagen ID.2, an electric car, will be built on the new "MEB Entry" platform, making it the first electric vehicle from VW with this feature. Despite its budget-friendly price, expected to be under €25,000, the ID.2 will feature premium materials like Alcantara inside, aiming to provide a luxurious feel.
The anticipated Volkswagen ID.2, a more affordable electric car, will share some design elements with traditional combustion engines, according to reports, potentially making it resemble the Polo within the VW lineup.
