Volkswagen to build new electric SUV with more than 700 kilometers of range

By utilizing its own “single battery” technology, the automaker claims its vehicles can travel up to 700 kilometers per charge. These vehicles will be able to charge at speeds of up to 200 kW when plugged in when charging is needed.

The new model is said to complement the brand’s ID.4 and ID.5 models. “This is how we intend to further expand our market position and offer our customers the high-quality vehicles they have come to expect from us,” the company’s CEO Thomas Schäfer told the publication.

Also read: What’s so special about the Volkswagen Tiguan Premium Edition?

While Volkswagen is looking to introduce the MEB+ platform, that doesn’t mean the regular MEB platform is dead. The company plans to launch 10 new electric models based on the platform by 2026, including an entry-level model. To prepare its Wolfsburg plant to produce electric vehicles, the company plans to invest 460 million euros, or $485 million. The plant will start producing vehicles based on the MEB platform in 2023.

Production of the ID.3 hatchback will first begin at the plant in 2023, with full production expected in 2024. Wolfsburg will be part of this success story. The capacity increase of the ID.3 is an important first step towards the electrification of our main plant,” says Schäfer.

The company also wants to build its Trinity car project in Wolfsburg. The new technology will be introduced into a Volkswagen Group-wide platform that should offer charging as fast as refueling, a high degree of automation, the chief executive added.

First published date: December 9, 2022 at 10:05 AM CST