On September 6, 2021, Volkswagen unveiled its compact crossover pure electric concept car ID. LIFE at the IAA MOBILITY 2021 in Munich. Due to Volkswagen’s “ACCELERATE” strategy, the production version of this car will be launched around 2025 at a price of about 20,000 euros, two years earlier than planned.
This pure electric city car, which focuses on shared experiences between people, will be made possible by sustainability and digitalization. The ID. LIFE can transform into a cinema or game space. It is also the first MEB platform vehicle to adopt a front-wheel-drive system, and the 234 horsepower motor will be able to accelerate this car to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. The 57 kWh battery pack can provide a WLTP range of about 400 km.
Volkswagen Brand CEO Ralf Brandstätter said:
ID. LIFE is our vision for the next generation of pure electric urban transportation, and it is also the prototype of the compact ID. series priced at around 20,000 euros that will appear in 2025. This means that pure electric travel will be a more accessible way of travel for more people.
Regarding the specific product definition, he said:
While building ID. LIFE, we always consider the needs of young customers. We believe that future cars will be more of a carrier for a lifestyle and personal will than they are today. Future customers want more than just getting from point A to point B. The experience that the vehicle itself can provide is more attractive. ID. LIFE is our answer to the future.
In terms of exterior design, the ID. LIFE exhibits a clean, knife-like and straightforward lines with clear shape features. Decorative elements and additional parts have been simplified, and materials used are also very uniform. The horizontal style of the body, glass surface, and roof also further emphasizes the purist design language. The fabric roof with built-in gap is designed to be removable, allowing for natural airflow and a more enjoyable driving experience.
The material selection of ID. LIFE mainly focuses on natural and recycled materials. Wood chips are used as a natural dye material in the clear coat of the body, and the curing agent is also an organic material. The roof is made of 100% recycled polyethylene beverage bottles. In terms of interior, the dashboard and the surrounding wood materials of the rear seats are matched with a material called ArtVelours Eco, which covers the door panel lining and the surface of the seats. Materials such as organic oil, natural rubber, and rice bran are also used in the ID. LIFE tires.
The absolute highlight of this car is its multifunctional interior space. Equipped with a game console and a projector, as well as a pull-out screen from the dashboard, this car can become a mobile cinema or game room on wheels. As for other devices, they can also be powered through the 230 V/16 A power output inside the car.
The seat design is also extremely flexible. The front seats can be completely folded down to form a viewing room. After watching the movie, the rear seats can be folded down to provide a sleeping space of 2 meters long. By lifting the rear seats, this car turns into a small cargo hauler.
The innovative digital operation concept is also a major factor that makes this car stand out. Cameras and displays replace the rearview mirrors, and the most basic driving functions are integrated on the hexagonal touch control panel in the center of the steering wheel. The mobile phone can also be integrated into the operating system and integrated into the dashboard. The content on the mobile phone or tablet can also be seamlessly transmitted to the entertainment system of the vehicle, including the projector.
The ACCELERATE strategy aims to speed up the electrification process. The ID. family’s entry into the 20,000 euro market will be the latest milestone in this strategy. By 2030, Volkswagen’s goal is to have a 70% pure electric vehicle sales ratio in Europe, and 50% in China and the United States.
🔗 Source: Volkswagen
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