CUPRA Born enters series production at Europe's largest EV factory

CUPRA’s Born EV undergoing final inspection on the assembly line. Images: Volkswagen

The CUPRA Born is now rolling off the production line at Volkswagen Group’s electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Zwickau, Germany.

The Born is the fifth of six electric vehicles to be manufactured in the Zwickau plant, and follows series production of the Volkswagen ID.3/ID.4, Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron. The sixth model will be Volkswagen’s ID.5 crossover.

Volkswagen plans to eventually move production of the Born to its factory in Marotell, Spain, which also manufactures the Audi A1 Sportback, and a number of Seat models. According to CUPRA CEO Wayne Griffiths, “Producing our first 100% electric model in Europe's largest electric vehicle factory will provide valuable learnings as we look to build electric vehicles in Martorell from 2025 onwards. Our ambition is to produce more than 500,000 urban electric vehicles per year in Spain for different Group brands.”

Sharing its underpinnings with Volkswagen’s ID.3 compact electric vehicle, the Born sits on the MEB modular electric vehicle architecture, and offers customers a more design-focused and sporty option in the compact EV class.

The CUPRA Born is the brand's first model to follow a net CO²-neutral concept, whereby energy from renewable sources is used in the supply chain. Executives within the group are aiming to increase the CUPRA sales mix to 20% of Volkswagen Group’s overall sales and to reach new international markets.

The CUPRA Born will go on sale in November 2021 across Europe. The brand intends to enter the Australian market in 2022, though the Born will likely not arrive down under until 2023.

German auto giants Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen accelerate battery production plans

Following news this week that Ford has partnered with Redwood Materials to secure future battery component supply chains, we have an announcement from Daimler that Mercedes-Benz has secured a 33 percent stake in Automotive Cells Company (ACC), a battery cell manufacturer with a presence in France. The stake is estimated to be worth around $1.2 billion USD ($1.65 billion AUD).

Stellantis and French petroleum company TotalEnergies own 33 percent each. Automotive News Europe reports Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kaellenius has said “the purpose of the partnership is to develop cells and battery modules and “help ensure that Europe remains at the heart of the auto industry — even in an electric era.”

Mercedes-Benz will provide technology and production expertise to the ACC partnership, and aims to manufacture at least 120 Gigawatt hours of cell capacity by the end of the decade with its partners. The company is moving towards a modular, standardised battery “kit” that allows battery cells and modules from different manufacturers to easily fit with its range of components and interfaces.

High energy density, performance and charging power are key benchmarks for the project according to Daimler. ACC will primarily use renewable energy for its production facilities, and the batteries themselves will be over 95 percent recyclable.

ACC’s first new factory will be located in Northern France, and plans to be operational by 2023.

A rendering of JAC Volkswagen’s Hefei battery production facility. Image: Volkswagen

Volkswagen powers ahead in China

Meanwhile, Chinese joint venture Jianghuai Automobile Group/Volkswagen (JAC Volkswagen) will also have a new battery factory operational by 2023, located in Hefei city. Automotive News Europe states that the factory's initial capacity will be 150,000 to 180,000 battery systems a year.

This is the fourth battery factory in the works for the Wolfsburg automaker, with plants in Brunswick and Salzgitter Germany coming online in the next couple of years. A battery factory in Chattanooga, TN and at Volkswagen technology partner Northvolt’s Skellefteå plant should also be operational by 2023. Volkswagen plans to produce unified, modular cells like Mercedes-Benz for its scalable MEB platform architecture, and has flagged an annual capacity of up to 180,000 battery systems from its Hefei plant.

“With a significant increase of battery-electric vehicles in the future, we need to focus on keeping key components like battery systems in our own value chain, allowing us to leverage Group-wide synergies and innovations” says Stephan Wöllenstein, CEO of Volkswagen Group China. He goes on to say that “Volkswagen Anhui and VW Anhui Components Company, alongside our two strong Joint Ventures, are crucial to our electrification strategy and to achieving our goal of the Volkswagen Group China fleet reaching over 40% NEVs by 2030”.

Sources: Daimler, Automotive News Europe

Volkswagen's ID.Life is a look at the automaker's future entry-level EVs

Volkswagen’s ID.Life is the company’s first front wheel drive MEB platform vehicle. Images: Volkswagen

Volkswagen revealed the cute ID.Life concept car at Munich’s IAA Mobility this week, and despite a striking resemblance to the Honda e, VW’s future city car offering is based on Wolfsburg’s Modular Electric Drive (MEB) platform architecture, resulting in a vehicle with a much larger footprint than Honda’s.

Electric city cars are a perennial challenge for automakers. Development and battery costs can make their business case knife-edge thin, and profitability is certainly not guaranteed in this segment. The ID.Life is the first front wheel drive EV from the brand based on the MEB matrix, and will offer a 172 kW (234 PS) electric motor, drawing power from a 57 kWh battery. Volkswagen claims a WLTP range of around 400km (249 miles), and a zero to 100 km/h (zero to 62 mph) time of 6.9 seconds.

“The ID. LIFE proves once again how uniquely flexible the MEB is. The platform is suitable for vehicles of all types, from small cars to vans,” says Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management for Development. “It’s the most scalable electrical architecture in the industry. We’re just beginning to tap into the potential of MEB. Performance, charging capacity and range will continue to improve with each new model and software update.”

Volkswagen is trying to improve the sustainability and recyclability of its future products, and the ID.Life offers a clear-coat derived from wood chips and a bio-based hardener. Recycled PET bottles comprise large sections of interior plastics, and in an industry first, bio-oil, natural rubber and rice husks are compounds found in the tyres. With pollution from tyres across their whole lifespan — from manufacture, to use and disposal — a critical issue even for EV owners, it’s great to see VW pushing this technology.

Wait, is that the Tesla Model Y Yoke?

On the inside, the hexagonal open-topped steering wheel bears a striking resemblance to that of Tesla’s Plaid Model S, and a touch panel built into the wheel gives the driver access to important vehicle functions. Volkswagen is advertising a multifunctional interior; the ID.Life offers folding front and rear seating, a 230V power outlet, and a projection screen with video game console. This approach aims to be replicating Xpeng’s private cinema option in the P5 sedan.

Volkswagen aims to roll out a production model based on this concept study by 2025, and aims to increase its share of all-electric models in Europe to at least 70 per cent of total vehicle sales, and in North America and China to at least 50 per cent.

View the full image gallery here

ŠKODA preps fully electric rally car to debut in July's Rallye Weiz in Austria

Škoda’s all-electric RE-X1 Kreisel concept car. Images: Škoda Motorsport

Škoda Motorsport has unveiled the lithium-ion powered Škoda RE-X1 Kreisel concept car. The rally beast was developed in conjunction with Kreisel Electric and Baumschlager Rallye, and is based on the successful ŠKODA Fabia Rally2 evo.

Škoda Motorsport developed the vehicle, and provides a bespoke chassis for the electric power unit which delivers 260 kW or power and 600 Nm of torque. That’s a lot more than the petrol Škoda Fabia Rally2 evo 1.6 litre turbo version which produces 214 kW and 425 Nm of torque. The lithium-ion battery pack has a 52.5 kWh capacity, powering an 860 volt electrical system.

“The concept car Škoda RE-X1 Kreisel is an exciting combination of traditional and future-orientated technology. We provided our best experience, based on developing already three generations of the rally-going Škoda Fabia,” comments Michal Hrabánek, Head of Škoda Motorsport. “The concept car offers all the setup possibilities of the latest generation Škoda Fabia Rally2 evo, but with a fully electric powertrain and I really believe rally fans will find such a combination truly interesting.”

The first chassis built by ŠKODA Motorsport is in asphalt spec. However, Baumschlager Rallye & Racing, the project’s partner for the testing program and future competition activities, has started to put the ŠKODA RE-X1 Kreisel through its paces on gravel as well. The car has undergone a successful homologation by the Austrian Motorsport Federation AMF (ÖAMTC), and is expected to debut in July’s Rallye Weiz as part of the Austrian Rally Championship.

We’ve seen electric rally cars before in the form of one-off specials such as New Zealand rally champion Haydon Paddon’s Hyundai Kona, and Ken Block’s electric Ford Fiesta ST special, but its great to see factory teams like ŠKODA getting in on the action. With the Extreme-E rallycross series kicking off this year, its only a matter of time until the WRC hosts fully electric entrants.

All-electric CUPRA Born is the brand's first EV and the evil twin of the VW ID.3

• Four battery variants, 45, 58 and 77 kWh, outputs ranging from 110 kW (150PS) to 170 kW (231PS)

• Headline 77 kWh variant achieves 540 km (335 mile) WLTP range

• 125 kW DC fast charging with 100 kms (62 miles) range added in seven minutes

• Dynamic chassis control, wide tyres, sports suspension

• European pricing to be announced later in 2021, ahead of 2022 customer deliveries

If Volkswagen’s ID.3 isn’t quite the electric Golf GTI you were hoping for, sister-brand CUPRA may have just the performance EV for you.

The Born joins CUPRA’s line-up as its first all-electric vehicle, and the first that will be delivered to customers with a net CO2 neutral certification. Taking its name from the Barcelona neighbourhood of El Born, the Volkswagen Group hopes this will be CUPRA’s first global vehicle.

Overtly sporty design

The Cupra’s design is certainly arresting, and that now-signature copper-coloured trim works well with darker colours. Visually, it’s a lot busier — and more aggressive — than its VW ID.3 cousin, but shares a similar profile and dimensions thanks to the modular platform architecture and shared battery module under the floor.

Full-LED headlights make an impact with their light signature, and sharp lines accentuate the body to create ‘a sense of movement’ according to the company.

There’s textures everywhere, from the copper trim, to the body panels, to the C-pillar with its three-dimensional patterns. It’s not overdesigned in our view, but rather just a bit interesting.

Wheels range from 18-20 inches depending on specification level, demonstrating that CUPRA is willing to sacrifice a little bit of efficiency for looks and performance.

The CUPRA Born’s dimensions are almost identical to VW’s ID.3 - 1,809mm wide, 1,537mm high with a wheelbase of 2,767mm. Overall length is 4,322mm, 60mm longer than the ID.3.

CUPRA amps up the sportiness over VW’s ID.3. Images: CUPRA

Interior raises the game over VW’s ID.3

Volkswagen’s MEB platform provides many opportunities for flexible product packaging, and while there are some shared components and materials with the ID.3, CUPRA’s design team has flexed their creative licence.

The copper-coloured theme extends to the interior trim pieces, breaking up slabs of black and grey. The architecture of the ID.3’s interior is visible, but CUPRA adds additional drive-mode steering wheel controls, sporty bucket seats finished in yarn spun from upcycled marine plastics, and unique infotainment display graphics.

Reminiscent of VW’s ID.3, with a sportier stance.

Three battery choices, up to 540km range

The most affordable CUPRA Born will offer a 110 kW (150 PS) engine, with 310 Nm of torque, 45 kW of battery capacity, and a very usable WLTP range of 340 km (211 mi). Like the Volkswagen ID.3, the Born will use nickel, manganese, cobalt (NMC) cells from LG Chem, at least in the initial stages of market launch until Volkswagen’s planned battery factories become operational.

CUPRA is a young brand, and was launched in 2018. In 2020, CUPRA achieved 11% growth over 2019, with 27,400 vehicles sold. The Volkswagen Group has plans to take CUPRA worldwide, and Australia will actually become the first non-European market for the brand when the petrol Formentor SUV arrives in 2022.

Volkswagen's ID.4 electric crossover named 2021 World Car of the Year

Volkswagen has taken home the largest prize from the annual World Car Awards overnight, with the Volkswagen ID.4 crossover named 2021 World Car of the Year. 93 international journalists from 28 countries make up the World Car Awards jury panel, and the votes were tabulated by KPMG.

VW’s ID.4 1st Edition in Honey Yellow

Ralf Brandstätter, CEO Volkswagen Cars stated “We are particularly pleased about our ID.4 being named “World Car of the Year”. Not only because it is one of the most important car awards in the world - but because the jury also honored a great idea and a great team. The first ID. Model for the key markets of Europe, China and the U.S. carries our electric offensive around the world. A convincing car, a great idea - and the “World Car of the Year” award? That goes well together for us!”

This year’s winner was chosen from an initial entry list of 24 vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of three finalists as announced on March 30, 2021. The Top Three in the World finalists for 2021 also included another EV, the Honda e, and the Toyota Yaris.

To be eligible for the World Car of the Year award, vehicles must be produced in volumes of at least 10,000 units/year, must be priced below the luxury-car level in their primary markets, and must be “on-sale” in at least two major markets, on at least two separate continents, between May 1, 2020 and May 1, 2021.

This win should help Volkswagen justify the billions spent on its shift to electro-mobility and assist the company in forgetting the ‘Dieselgate’ era. We’re certainly excited to see more competition in the marketplace, especially in the form of EVs from one of the world’s largest automakers, but Volkswagen still has some issues to iron out if it is to truly achieve mass-market adoption of its zero emissions vehicles.

EV teardown expert Sandy Munro stated that Tesla need not worry about competition from the ID.4 after comprehensively examining VW’s newest EV, and Engineering Explained showed that there are issues with charging the ID.4, even on the DC fast charging network established by Volkswagen, Electrify America.

2022 Audi Q4 e-tron previewed with 450km range, augmented reality tech

Audi reveals pre-production MEB-based 2022 Q4 e-tron

• Based on Audi’s Modularer E-Antriebs-Baukastenmodular (MEB) architecture

• The smallest e-tron SUV in Audi’s line up at 4,590mm (15.1 ft) long, 1,865 millimeters (6.1 ft) wide, and 1,613 millimeters (5.3 ft) high

• Two electric motors with 224 kW (304 PS), 82kWh battery with claimed 450 km (280 mile) range

• Fully digital operating concept with augmented reality head-up display

• Upholstery materials with recycled polyester

• Worldwide reveal set for April 2021

Q4 e-tron spearheads Audi’s compact electric crossover rollout

With aspirations to dominate every market segment, the Volkswagen Group is looking to utilise its electric vehicle architecture across multiple brands and vehicle classes. Enter the Q4 e-tron: the first Audi model based on the Modularer E-Antriebs-Baukastenmodular, or modular electric drive toolkit as a literal translation.

The MEB is designed exclusively for EVs, and already underpins the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4, as well as the Škoda Enyaq. It’s flexibility will see use across future Volkswagen family models, including from the Cupra brand.

Q4 e-tron battery and drivetrain

Packing an 82kWh battery likely to be manufactured by LG Chem, the Q4 e-tron should have a WLTP range of 450 km (280 miles) and can be charged up to 125 kW. With two electric motors outputting a combined 224 kW (304 PS), Audi claims a 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) time of 6.4 seconds.

Of course, quattro -all-wheel-drive will be standard, and it’s expected that adaptive air suspension will also be a feature on the Q4 e-tron.

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Exterior Styling

My, didn’t Audi’s wrappers have a field day? Graphics aside, the Q4 e-tron has many familiar Audi design cues. Those slim LED headlights with segmented daytime running lights, that single-frame grille (though perhaps it’s time for Audi to ditch this when it serves no function) the pronounced rear wheel arches and angular taillights.

At 4,590mm (15.1 ft) long, it’s around 10cm longer than a Q3, though that may be hard to discern in the metal. Audi will likely be producing a Q4 e-tron Sportback, complete with cut-off plunging roofline.

Technology and Interior

Audi is promoting the technical innovations and interior features of the Q4 e-tron in the lead up to the vehicle’s global reveal. With the latest version of the Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI), drivers will have a head-up display with augmented reality features that can project important information over objects in the driver’s line of site, similar to technology already deployed by Mercedes-Benz.

The usual passive and active safety features are expected, such as blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistant, front collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous capabilities.

Audi also claims the Q4 e-tron offers similar exterior dimensions to a Q3 SUV, but with Q5 levels of space on the inside. The luggage compartment provides 520 litres (18.4 cu ft) of space for luggage, and the 2.76 metre (9.1 ft) long wheelbase should provide comfortable foot, knee and legroom for front and rear seat passengers.

It’s nice to see the shift away from leather interiors; to each their own, but leather has a huge environmental footprint, not to mention the ethical issues around animal skin. The Q4 e-tron offers a combination of artificial leather microfiber Dinamica, which looks and feels like suede but is made of 45 percent recycled polyester, sourced from textiles and PET bottles.

We’re expecting the Q4 e-tron to go on sale (in base trim) from $45,000 USD / £50,000 when it is revealed to the public next month. While there’s nothing about this upcoming crossover that appears revolutionary, the combination of the usual Teutonic interior quality with Audi’s contemporary (if predictable) exterior styling should bode well for the MEB-based electric crossover’s sales.

Volkswagen EV Convertible could join ID.3 range according to CEO

VW CEO shares concept sketches of possible future electric ID.3 variant

Volkswagen’s CEO, Ralf Brandstätter appears keen on a drop-top variant of the electric ID.3 hatch, after sharing the following text and sketch image on Linkedin:

“An ID.3 convertible? Sounds quite appealing: enjoying nature with the top down, with the instant, but silent electric punch. This could provide an entirely new, extraordinary feeling of freedom. I admit: a very tempting idea. We are still pondering how to turn this attractive concept into reality. Just in case, our design team has already sketched out some initial ideas. The most exciting question: what do YOU think? Would electric driving and an open-air-experience make a perfect match?”

Of course, any new model has to go through a rigorous design and approval process; most manufacturers spend five-plus years developing a new model, meaning that this is a tease in the true sense of the word and that the ID.3 convertible is already a fait accompli for the brand in the coming years, or Brandstätter could genuinely be gauging public interest before the board gives the project a green light.

We’re a fan of Volkswagen convertibles with a Mark VI Golf cabriolet currently in our extended family. These ID.3 convertible sketches capture the blunt rear and deep sides of the early Golf cabriolets (though sadly without the roll-over hoop) whilst maintaining the ID.3 hatchback’s agressive, snub-nose front.

The ID.3 convertible has an uphill battle ahead though, with cabriolet and roadster sales on the decline in recent years, as more and more consumers around the world purchase SUVs (much to our chagrin). Mercedes-Benz has cancelled the SLC roadster, Mini has stated that the Mini Cooper cabriolet won’t make it to the next generation of vehicles and it could be last drinks for Audi’s iconic TT roadster.

If the ID.3 convertible does indeed make it to market, then it will be the first four-seat all electric vehicle on sale. When you think about it, an EV drivetrain is perfect for open top motoring: Zero noise means passengers are able to enjoy the sounds of nature as they whizz through the Schwarzwald or along the Côte d'Azur, and zero emissions results in a healthier driving experience.

The ID.3 hatch and ID.4 SUV are scheduled to arrive in Australia from 2023.

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Volkswagen's electric ID.6 SUV revealed in documents filed with Chinese government

VOLKSWAGEN TO DEBUT chinese built full-size id.6 SUV

Leaked images of Volkswagen’s new ID.6 full-size electric SUV have appeared online thanks to regulatory filings with the Chinese government. Based on the 2019 I.D. Roomzz concept premiered at the Shanghai Auto Show, The ID.6 is expected to have an 82kWh battery with 150KW charging and 450km range (WLTP) Power in the concept car was rated at 225 kilowatts (302 horsepower) from a pair of electric motors, and Volkswagen estimated acceleration to 100 kilometres per hour (62 miles per hour) in 6.6 seconds.

The VW ID.6 is the third vehicle to be based on the company’s MEB platform architecture, and share’s many design cues with the ID.3 and ID.4. At this stage it appears that it will be produced exclusively for the domestic Chinese market. While one might expect countries such as the USA, Australia and South Africa to be a perfect fit for the ID.6, it’s likely that Volkswagen is using the upcoming ID.4 to test the waters of the electric SUV market.

The ID.6 will likely debut at Auto Shanghai on April 21 2021.

Source: Autocar

The VW ID.6 is based on the 2019 I.D. Roomzz concept, and at this stage is China-only. Source: Volkswagen AG

The VW ID.6 has evolved into a more conservative form, with fewer sweeping curves and trick details from the concept car.

A broad, imposing rear profile, the VW ID.6 is a large SUV that Volkswagen is no doubt considering for the US market.

Volkswagen's ID.4 launches in the UK, 1st Edition specification priced from £40,800

VW’s ID.4 LANDS IN THE UK, WITH DELIVERIES COMMENCING IN MARCH 2021

• Featuring a 77kWh battery with 498 kilometres (310 miles) range (WLTP)

• Rear-motor, 150kW/310Nm

• Available initially as 1st Edition trim level only

• Priced from £40,800 RRP OTR, or approximately £37,800 after Plug-in Car Grant

• Available in dealerships from March 2021

VW has launched the ID.4 electric SUV in the UK market, priced from £37,800 after the government Plug-in Car Grant. Initially only available in the 1st Edition trim, the ID.4 features a single rear motor producing 150 kW, with a maximum torque output of 310 Nm.

The ID.4 will be able to rapidly charge up to 125kW. Images: Volkswagen UK

WIth a 77 kWh net capacity, the ID.4 offers an official WLTP range of 498 kilometres (310 miles), however take that with a grain of salt, as real-world driving has shown a 10-15 per cent reduction on this figure. Luckily the ID.4 offers fast charging capacity up to 125kW, allowing ID.4 owners to add around 320km (199 miles) in 30 minutes. The battery pouch cells and pack are manufactured by LG Chem in Poland, featuring the company’s NCM 712 battery cells. These batteries have been in production since 2020, and feature the company’s new chemistry of 7 parts nickel to 1 part cobalt to 2 parts manganese, providing greater energy density, reduced manufacturing costs and a smaller environmental footprint.

The ID.4 is pictured in striking Honey Yellow with contrasting silver-painted roof arch.

Similar to the launch variant of the ID.3 1ST Edition, the ID.4 first edition features special badging, an interior with Artvelours micro-fleece seats with Florence Brown highlights, and a selection of colours including Glacier White, Blue Dusk, Honey Yellow (pictured) and Manganese Grey.

The VW ID.4 features Artvelours micro-fibre seats, and a driver zone and infotainment system from the ID.3 hatchback.

A full suite of safety features are included, with adaptive cruise control, lane assist with blind spot warning, autonomous emergency breaking and front and rear parking sensors. the 10-inch Discover Pro navigation system is included, and is controlled via a rather prominent screen perched on the dash like the ID.3. The nifty ID. Light is also included, which flashes, pulses and changes colour to communicate various information to drivers such as navigation instructions, charging status or responses to voice input.

The ID.4 is based on Volkswagens Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform.

Sadly, There are no plans to bring any electrified Volkswagen model to Australia any time before 2023 according to Car Expert. With little in the way of emissions standards, fuel quality standards or EV incentives, Australia is not seen as a priority for companies like Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz or Kia. While China, the United States and the United Kingdom have strict CO2 emissions requirements for new vehicles, they also offer incentives for the purchase of zero emissions vehicles, providing an ultimatum for automakers to cease retailing internal-combustion engined cars.