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September 10, 2021
Volkswagen Unveils World Premiere of Entry-Level Concept EV Utilizing Recycled and Natural Materials | Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Entry-Level Concept EV Utilizing Recycled and Natural Materials Unveiled
Volkswagen unveiled the "ID. LIFE" concept car, a compact crossover EV, at the IAA Mobility 2021 international motor show in Munich, Germany.
Entry-Level EV for Small Car Segment to Launch Around 2025 for Approximately €20,000
Volkswagen, which has previously presented concept cars for its "ID." EV series, announced plans to launch an "ID." model in the small car segment by 2025, two years earlier than initially planned.
Volkswagen stated that the "ID. LIFE", unveiled at its world premiere, is indicative of the model to be launched in 2025, and revealed it will be priced at approximately €20,000 (around ¥2.6 million).
The exterior of the "ID. LIFE" features a simple design. Its removable roof reduces vehicle weight while enabling open-air driving.
Furthermore, natural and recycled materials are utilized. The body's clear coat incorporates natural colorants derived from wood chips along with bio-based hardeners. The air chamber textile for the roof and front cover is made from 100% recycled PET bottles, and the tire material incorporates elements such as bio-oil, natural rubber, and rice husks.
The interior is equipped with a game console, projector, and a projection screen that extends from the dashboard panel as needed. Users can watch movies stored on their smartphones or play games on the screen. The seat arrangement is also versatile, allowing for a lounge-like space by folding the front seats completely flat, transforming into a bed approximately 2 meters long, or adapting to various cargo configurations to maximize storage.
The powertrain is based on a small version of Volkswagen's modular electric drive matrix (MEB) developed for the small car segment, with front-wheel drive being adopted for the first time. It features an electric motor producing 172 kW (234 PS), accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. The 57 kWh battery offers a range of approximately 400 km in WLTP mode.
Additionally, cameras and displays replace the door and rearview mirrors. Basic driving operations are performed via a touch panel on the hexagonal open-top steering wheel, and smartphones can also be integrated into the operating system.
The "ID. LIFE" can be seen as a preview of the entry-level EV Volkswagen plans to launch in 2025. We look forward to future developments.
