Scheduled to enter production in November 2019
before going on sale in early 2020, the ID hatchback will be VW’s first model
developed from the ground up as an all-electric vehicle. The automaker
has high expectations for the Golf-sized ID (initially rumored to be called
Neo), which uses the MEB modular electric platform — as will the rest of the ID
model family.
As you can see, the car features an identical
camouflage as in the “official spy shots” but it ditches the aero wheels for a
set of conventional rims shod with winter tires. There is also an
“Elektrofahrzeug” sticker on the front doors — that’s German for “electric
vehicle.”
Seen from the side, the ID hatchback looks more like
a minivan than a conventional five-door hatchback which means it will be
roomier than the Golf. The more spacious interior is also due to the packaging,
as the EV features a rear-mounted 168 hp electric motor driving the rear
wheels. Maneuverability stands to gain too from this layout, with VW promising
an impressively tight turning circle. VW likes to compare the ID
hatchback to the Golf, with VW board member Jürgen Stackmann revealing that the
electric car will be priced similarly to “a modern Golf diesel.”
Unlike the Golf diesel, however, it will be able to
drive in complete silence and with zero emissions for up to 550 km on a single charge. VW’s estimates are based on the new WLTP testing procedure,
which means they’re pretty close to real life. According to the even more
realistic EPA test cycle, the ID hatchback will likely offer just under 483 km of range.
While that will be the range offered by the
range-topping 111-kWh battery pack, base models will use a smaller 48-kWh
battery good enough for about 331 km of range. Regardless of the
battery pack, the ID hatchback will support up to 125 kW fast charging,
allowing for an 80-percent charge in only 30 minutes. An 11 kW home charging
option will also be offered.
