Volkswagen is addressing the growing demand for more affordable electric vehicles (EVs) by introducing a new range of small and mid-sized models. This initiative is seen as essential for increasing EV adoption among consumers who currently favor gas-powered vehicles due to cost considerations. The automaker has already unveiled several concepts, including the ID.2all, now known as the ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI, and the ID.EVERY1. Now, the company is preparing to reveal another concept, the ID. Cross, which is scheduled for a formal introduction next year.
The ID. Cross aims to present a friendlier and more approachable design compared to existing models. This new concept is intended to compete with the popular VW T-Cross and will be based on Volkswagen’s MEB Plus platform, which promises improvements in battery, engine, and software performance. The front-wheel drive motor of the ID. Cross is set to deliver 155 kW of power, translating to approximately 208 horsepower. The vehicle has an expected range of 420 km (260 miles) and a top speed of 175 km/h (108 mph), along with the capacity to carry two e-bikes.
Manufacturing of the ID. Cross’s drive system will take place in Europe, with no current plans for the U.S. market mentioned, partially due to Volkswagen’s inconsistent success in the region. This smaller model will measure 4,161 mm in length and provide ample storage, with a total capacity of 450 liters in the trunk and an additional 25 liters in the front.
The interior will feature fabric surfaces and physical buttons for driver assist functions, addressing concerns about the lack of tactile controls in previous models. Production of the ID. Cross is set for next summer, following the launches of the ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI. Volkswagen is targeting a more competitive position in the EV market, particularly against budget-friendly offerings from competitors in China.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/773435/volkswagen-rounds-out-new-lineup-of-affordable-evs-with-id-cross-concept