But Volkswagen has been working hard to fix its software problems, and it seems to have them licked. Which could be one of the reasons why Volkswagen is said to be considering another electric MPV. One that would fit below the ID. Buzz in the company lineup and likely have a far more conventional design.
Volkswagen's Van Concepts Help Make The Case
Volkswagen is looking at some of its earlier EV concepts, including the 2016 Budd-e, Autocar reports. A new electric minivan, or MPV as the segment is called in Europe, to replace the Touran van and give buyers something that is electric but isn't an SUV.
The report cites "sources familiar with the project" as saying that VW has recently grabbed some of its MPV concepts from the storage shed as part of the considerations. They're being used for presentations and discussions with executives to try and nail down if similar design and packaging could make production today.
Autocar says this is a sign of a shift in thinking at VW HQ in Wolfsburg. Executives with the German automaker are said to be seeing that there is still space in the market for a family-focused MPV in Europe and China as it tries to restore company sales, despite the SUV and crossover takeover of the market.
A new van would be smaller than the ID. Buzz, even when compared with the short-wheelbase version sold in Europe. Smaller means lighter and lower-priced.
Touran Replacement Could Use Rivian Tech
The current Touran is based on the MQB chassis that underpins the Volkswagen Golf. It's sort of a Golf Van, really, with echoes of the Golf Sportwagen (with the roof pulled upward). The van seats seven and is popular with families as well as for taxi use in Europe and China. The current Touran is 7.3 inches shorter than a Euro-spec ID. Buzz in length (17 inches shorter than the US model) and a foot shorter in height.
Volkswagen's ID. Buzz is aimed at a more premium buyer, reflecting the cost of a restored gas-powered VW Bus these days. A smaller model would be aimed at VW's usual market, which the report says is a "no-nonsense, high-utility electric vehicle with sliding rear doors and strong day-to-day usability."
Previewing a $21,000 production car, the Volkswagen ID.EVERY1 concept will go around 155 miles per charge.
If Volkswagen decides to go ahead with the model, it will likely use either a more advanced version of the MEB+ platform that underpins most of VW's current ID. models or the SSP platform. The company's Scaleable Systems Platform (SSP) has been heavily delayed due to reported issues with VW's Cariad software division. VW is said to be working with partner Rivian to bring the new systems to market, and it could also support range-extended EVs.
