Volkswagen unveils zero-emission car for 2020

Volkswagen has unveiled a new electric car concept at the 2016 Paris International Motor Show, in the wake of last year’s scandal that the car-maker had allegedly manipulated emissions tests.

The Volkswagen car concept is the first in a ‘completely new generation’ of electric vehicles from Volkswagen

The I.D. car is the first in a ‘completely new generation’ of electric vehicles from Volkswagen, with the concept vehicle due to go on the market in 2020.

The car-maker adds that the zero-emission vehicle will also become fully automated starting from 2025.

Dr Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand explained: “In 2020 we will begin to introduce an entire family of electric vehicles on the market. All of them will be based on a new vehicle architecture which was specially and exclusively developed for all-electric vehicles. Not for combustion engine or plug-in hybrid vehicles.

New Era

“The I.D. stands for this new era of all-electric vehicles, for a new automotive era: electrical, connected and autonomously driving,” Mr Diess added.

The car-maker sees the I.D. as the natural successor to its latest generation e-Golf, which is to premiere in November. Equipped with gesture control, the vehicle will utilise a zero-emission range of up to 300 kilometres.

The I.D. will take this concept a step further employing the newly developed Modular Electric Drive Kit and powered by a 125kW/ 170PS electric motor offering a range of up to 600km.

The range would mean zero-emissions would become a ‘natural aspect’ of everyday driving, the company claims.

The concept vehicle is likely to be viewed as an attempt by Volkswagen to clean up its image, after the car-maker this year agreed to a $14 billion settlement with the US government following action over allegations that it cheated diesel emissions tests.

Volkswagen will offer consumers a buyback and lease termination for nearly 500,000 of its 2009-2015 2.0 litre diesel vehicles sold or leased in the United States, and spend up to $10.03 billion to compensate consumers under the program (see airqualitynews.com story).