Why Volkswagen’s ID. Life is a big deal for EVs

Why Volkswagen’s ID. Life is a big deal for EVs

Volkswagen is bucking the large, expensive EV trend with its ID. Life compact crossover concept car.

At this year’s International Motor Show IAA Mobility 2021 held in Munich, Volkswagen presented us with a new compact crossover concept car: The ID. Life, expected to be released at a price tag of approximately 20,000 Euros, or about $23,671.

Why is this a big deal? Because it’s cheap – and small! Because of the way electrification technology stands today, EVs, in general, tend to be both big and expensive, because batteries are big and expensive – but this concept from Volkswagen is bucking the trend.

The ID. Life is based on a smaller variant of Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix known as “MEB”, which the company has developed specifically for the small car segment. This is also the first time a vehicle based on the MEB has front-wheel drive. With its 172 kW electric motor, Volkswagen says the ID. Life can accelerate from 0 to 100 KM/H, or approximately 62 mph, in 6.9 seconds, while its 57 kWh high-voltage battery enables a range of around 400 KM, or about 249 miles.

Another point of interest to note about the ID. Life is Volkswagen’s efforts to “up” its sustainability game in this car. This is evident in the company’s choice of materials and paint finishes. In the clear coat for the bodywork, wood chips are used as a natural coloring agent along with a bio-based hardener. The air chamber textile for the roof and front cover is made from 100% recycled PET bottles. And bio-oil, natural rubber and rice husks are some of the materials that serve as a basis for the tires on the ID. Life.

This concept car may be small, but it comes with a fair share of cool tech. Volkswagen says the vehicle will come with an undefined video game console and projector, as well as a projection screen that extends from the dash panel when required. Other devices can be connected as needed to the 230V, 16-amp power supply in the interior.

The front seat bench can also be completely folded down, as can the rear seat bench. Volkswagen points out that this enables a range of different possibilities, from cinema seating to a bed measuring around 6-and-a-half ft. in length, to a cargo version to maximize luggage volume.

In the ID. Life, cameras and a display replace both the exterior and interior mirrors. Essential driving functions are controlled via a touch panel on the hexagonal, open-topped steering wheel, and a smartphone can be integrated into the operating system; personal devices like smartphones or tablets can be used to operate the navigation system, for example. Music, films and games stored on the device can be used in the ID. Life, with visuals displayed on the projection screen.

This is a segment of the EV market that needs some love, and Volkswagen is providing an interesting take. By 2030, Volkswagen says it aims to increase its share of all-electric models in total vehicle sales in Europe to at least 70%, and in North America and China to at least 50%.

Want more EV Impact Show? Click here.

You May Also Like

AMN Drivetime: GSP North America’s Michael Ceritano

Ceritano describes the ways GSP North America has grown and what he feels has been integral to its success.

Drivetime_-Ceritano

Michael Ceritano‘s resume includes an array of positions from around the aftermarket: marketing manager, car wash consultant, owner of an auto accessory business, aftermarket sales director and now COO. With a career spanning 30-plus years in the automotive aftermarket, Ceritano has used his industry expertise combined with his business savvy and willingness to learn new skills to grow GSP North America‘s business exponentially in the almost six years he’s been with the company.

How sustainable manufacturing affects the EV transition

TerrePower says we must reconsider the emissions created when mining and fabricating critical raw materials for EVs.

BBB-–-Sustainability-1400
Look Behind the EV Collision Repair Curtain

We discuss some of the latest data surrounding EV collision work and why longer repair times should be expected.

Amped-mitchell-1400
AMN Drivetime: Autologue’s Jim Franco

Franco delves into his thoughts on the market today including technology and EVs.

Franco Quick Hits AMN Drivetime
How EV battery system components can fail

The increased usage of EVs means there will come a time when these EVs need to be serviced – primarily the battery pack.

BBB-–-Batteries-1400

Other Posts

Alfa Romeo announces Tonale’s electric range and MPGe

The total range of the Alfa Romeo Tonale with a full battery charge is 360 miles, and it has an electric range of 33 miles.

Alfa_Romeo_Tonale
Mullen Three Class 3 EV rolls off Mississippi factory line

Mullen’s Class 3 EV truck, the Mullen Three, received $79M in orders so far.

mullen-assembly-plant-1400
Mullen will debut its Five RS EV Crossover on tour

Mullen said the Five RS features a top speed of 200 mph and acceleration from 0-60 mph in under 2 seconds.

mullen five rs UHP
Cadillac goes electric with Escalade IQ

The 2025 Escalade IQ EV SUV includes 450 miles of range, a 55-inch diagonal LED display and V2H bidirectional charging.

2025-cadillac-escalade-iq EV