Volkswagen has unveiled three new electrified concepts at the Shanghai auto show, including the brand’s first range-extender electric vehicle.
Intended as a preview for VW’s future product plans in China, the three concept vehicles, which appear to be near production-spec, have been co-developed with the brand’s local partners SAIC Motor, FAW Group and Volkswagen Anhui.
The concept range kicks off with the ID.ERA, a full-sized three-row SUV sporting the brand’s first range-extender platform. While specific powertrain details remain under wraps, Volkswagen says it can provide 300km of range in EV-only mode and deliver a comprehensive range of at least 1000km.
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As a smaller Jetta-sized sedan targeting younger buyers, the fully electric ID.EVO has been developed with high-performance 800-volt architecture that can support faster charging times and longer range than its 400-volt equivalents.
And finally, the ID.AURA is a medium-sized electric SUV designed exclusively for the Chinese market. It utilises Volkswagen’s China-specific Compact Main Platform (CMP), with zonal architecture and AI integration. VW said the model has been developed for the “cost-conscious consumer”.
The move represents Volkswagen’s desire to get back to competitiveness in China, where the once-dominant brand is losing ground to emerging domestic rivals such as BYD and Xiaomi.
Volkswagen’s future product plans for the world’s largest car market consists of 30 new models by 2027, with a major emphasis on drastically cutting the time it takes to develop new products.
The new approach, dubbed “China-speed”, will see VW aim to develop a new car in less than 34 months to keep apace with its Chinese rivals.
In the pre-EV era, development of a car with a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) could take up to five years, but new Chinese EV brands have shown they can cut that time to as little as 18 months.
Nissan has similarly said it is looking to cut the time it takes to develop a new model to 37 months as it seeks to return to profitability.
All research and development of the new VW models will take place at Volkswagen’s new facility in Hefei, China. It remains unclear whether any will be sold in overseas markets.
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