It may be mere sketches for now, but its wheels mark it out as a concept vehicle, likewise the wide arches and sliding rear doors.
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By eschewing a traditional grille, using flush fitting glass for the side windows and extending the roofline beyond the top of the tailgate, Volkswagen’s designers have clearly attempted to boost the aerodynamic efficiency of the new concept, which if the sketches are any indication will provide seating for up to five adults. The sketches also appear to show a large solar panel integrated into the roof of the new concept auto. The company plans to sell a million EVs by 2025.
Volkswagen promises it will have a range of between 400km and 600km, and will be the first vehicle into production off its new small Modular Electric Kit (MEB) architecture.
The overhangs are very short at both ends to maximise its interior space, which Volkswagen suggests will be about the same as the current Passat. In most recent developments, the company has made public the sketches of one of those cars, which it will also officially unveil at the Paris Motor Show, which begins next month.
The man in charge of the project, Christian Senger, said a range of 400 km is adequate for everyday use. The auto will have fast charging capabilities built into it, and is reported to be able to charge in just 15 minutes. The follow-up models to the hatchback will be a crossover, a luxury saloon and a sports auto.
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In an earlier mission statement on its electric auto offensive, Volkswagen said it was targeting 1 million electric vehicle sales annually by 2025. VW recently said that its energy focus would be shifting from diesel to electric, and this new concept vehicle will follow last year’s electric BUDD-e concept in that direction.
