Volkswagen reveals ID.2 all electric 'people's car'
BY PETER BARNWELL
THE new, affordable Volkswagen battery electric vehicle (BEV) “people’s car” has broken cover and outwardly, shares similar dimensions and styling DNA with the current Polo light car… only with a dedicated EV chassis (MEB architecture) and a fully electric drivetrain underneath.
The oddly named ID.2all (remember the VW up!) will form the basis for Volkswagen’s move to a 50 per cent all-electric line up by 2030 with a stated aspiration to be fully electric by 2050.
Sources suggest the ID.2all is likely to be priced from under €25,000 ($A40,000) which would make it the cheapest entry point into EV motoring in Australia if it was available right now, and if the speculated pricing holds...
However, certain Chinese brands will likely have more affordable models here by the time the ID.2all arrives in a few years.
After a long wait, the concept model broke cover recently and is set to follow in the tyre treads of models like the Beetle and Golf in bringing affordable mobility to the masses.
The model is due to hit the road in 2025 in five-door spec utilising VW’s MEB Entry front-wheel drive platform that is said to deliver roughly the same driving experience and performance as the current Polo GTI performance hatch.
A possible Australian introduction date hasn’t been revealed.
Like the turbo petrol Polo GTi at 147kW/320Nm, the ID.2all’s electric motor is capable of delivering some 166kW of power (with similar torque to GTi) that translates into a sub-7.0 second 0-100km/h sprint with the potential of a 450km driving range and a top speed restricted to 160km/h… which could be an issue on German autobahns.
Volkswagen has not spoken of the car’s battery specs suffice to say the ID.2all can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes from a DC fast charger.
In using the MEB Entry platform the ID.2all measures 234mm shorter than the current Golf Mark 8 and with a 2600mm wheelbase – it is around 30mm shorter than the Golf’s. Overall measurements are 4050mm in length, 1812mm in width and 1530mm in height.
This translates into 490 litres of cargo space with the seats in place and 1330 litres with the 60:40 split-fold seats laid flat. Additional lockable storage space is provided under the rear seat.
VW has not provided full specifications for the ID.2all but has issued teaser details such as the inclusion of LED Matrix headlights and LED tail-lights, 20-inch alloy wheels, concealed rear door handles, and an impressive array of interior tech.
Commanding attention inside the cabin is the ‘floating’ centre console and a large panoramic roof.
The new vehicle comes richly equipped with a head-up display, climate control display, inductive charging pads and USB-C ports front and rear, magnetic phone holders, powered seats with massage function, and a 230V vehicle-to-load (V2L) outlet.
Additionally, the driver and front passenger can interact with super-size infotainment and instrumentation screens measuring 12.9- and 10.9 inches respectively.
Safety technology is generous starting with Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities, park assist with memory function and a lot more.
“We are transforming the company rapidly and fundamentally, with the clear objective of making Volkswagen a genuine Love Brand,” said Volkswagen Passenger Cars CEO, Thomas Schafer.
“The ID.2all shows where we want to take the brand. We want to be close to the customer and offer top technology in combination with fantastic design. We are implementing the transformation at pace to bring electric mobility to the masses.”
Mr Schafer said the production version of the ID.2all is one of 10 new all-electric models that will be launched by the brand by 2026.
This year, VW will introduce its ID.3 and long-wheelbase ID.Buzz, as well as the ID.7 (also known as Trinity) in Europe. These will be followed by a compact electric SUV, and an even cheaper and more compact EV with a sub €20,000 ($A32,000) sticker price.
These new models are expected to give Volkswagen the broadest range of electric vehicles in its competitor set, the brand aiming to have an 80 per cent share of Europe’s EV market within the next three to five years.
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