Volkswagen has confirmed that its forthcoming
all-electric I.D. hatchback will enter production in November 2019, just five
months after the eighth-generation Golf starts rolling down the assembly line.
The I.D. hatchback will be the first model in the brand’s upcoming family of
I.D. models which will include a crossover and a modern interpretation of the
iconic VW kombi in the form of the I.D. Buzz.
When launched as a concept at the Paris Motor Show
in 2016, the I.D. hatchback was outfitted with an electric motor delivering 168
hp, mated to a battery pack offering a range of up to 373 miles. The German
manufacturer has made no comment on what will power the road-going model but it
could very well be a development of this powertrain.
Due to the presence of the I.D. hatchback in
Volkswagen’s future range, the all-electric e-Golf will be dropped from the
brand’s portfolio. With its unique design and competitive starting price, VW
believes the I.D. will comfortably outsell the e-Golf and become a serious
alternative to the likes of the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model 3.
Beyond the aforementioned hatchback, I.D. Crozz
crossover, and I.D. Buzz, the range of all-electric VW models could expand
further. In fact, Volkswagen applied for trademarks on the names I.D.
Streetmate, I.D. Cruiser, and I.D. Freeler last year, suggesting that even more
models are in the pipeline.
