WOLFSBURG: As part of Volkswagen’s goal to bring electric vehicles into the mainstream, it’s working on raising the EV range of its MEB-based vehicles to 700km.
It is also seeking to improve charging speed and exploit new battery cell technology.
While future models would aspire to achieve the 700km target, current MEB-based models such as the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID Buzz would likely have their range extended in future updates.
In 2025, the ID Life and the larger Aero B are set to launch but Volkswagen is expected to focus on the pricier Aero B to ensure the 700km-milestone range.
VW also said it would adopt a charging power of over 200kW for EVs in the coming years to speed up charging. That’s up from 125kW at present.
At the same time, VW is working on cutting the 0-100kph sprint time of its fastest all-wheel drive MEB-based EVs to under 5.5s.
For now, the 299hp ID.5 GTX can muster 6.2s. With power increased to around 350hp, that could allow the GTX to shave acceleration time to meet the target.
The Modular electric drive matrix (MEB) is the underlying platform for the I.D. family.
These are Volkswagens in a variety of classes which have been designed as full electric vehicles and reach ranges of up 500km and more.
The architecture of the MEB will essentially change electric cars and cars in general.
The Modular Electric Toolkit jettisons all the ballast of the fossil age as it has been designed only for electric cars.
This leads to fundamental changes in body design, interior design, the package and the powertrain characteristics of electric Volkswagens.
Looking beyond Volkswagen, automakers and suppliers in general are working on building EVs that are able to support faster-charging 800-volt architectures.
Most EVs in the market use 400-volt technology. Only the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT are capable of using an 800-volt electrical system.
With more charging power coupled with an 800-volt system, that would lead to faster charging time, a factor that contributes to making EVs more appealing to the public.
Keyword: VW aims for EV range of 700km