Stories E-mobility
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UBS study: Volkswagen joint world leader for electric cars as early as 2022
Well able to compete with Tesla, and a benchmark for other car manufacturers: that is how Patrick Hummel, Head of European and US Auto & Mobility Research at UBS, assesses the MEB electric platform from Volkswagen. For a study on behalf of UBS, “ID.3 teardown: The biggest EV opportunity – Buy“, published on March 2, specialists broke down the fully electric ID.3 into its individual parts. The result: The ID.3 based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB), is Volkswagen’s entry ticket to the electric age and the most impressive solution available from an established automotive company. -
EV convertible? What is your opinion?
What if? An ID.3 convertible would be really appealing - enjoy nature electrically with roof open. We are still thinking about how such a concept could become a reality. Our design already has initial ideas. But the most exciting question is: what do you think? Does electric driving and an open roof go together? -
How Volkswagen is becoming a climate-neutral company
“The climate crisis is the greatest challenge of our time,” says Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen Group. Volkswagen was the first automaker to commit to the Paris climate agreement back in 2018. By 2050, the company aims to be balance sheet CO₂ neutral. This dossier explains the efforts Volkswagen is making to protect the climate in many areas: in its products, in production and together with partners. -
Volkswagen begins electric car sharing in Hamburg
Rethinking mobility: Volkswagen Group has already succeeded in doing this with the WeShare pilot project in Berlin since 2019 – so successfully, in fact, that fully electric car sharing will now also be possible in Hamburg from February 25. With this expansion, Volkswagen is driving forward the roll-out of climate-friendly e-mobility and new mobility services in equal measure. -
“Good interior design should not be complicated”
SUV on the outside, mobile living space on the inside: The interior of the ID.4 offers plenty of room. An interview with Volkswagen Head of Interior Design Tomasz Bachorski about a new homely feeling in the vehicle, the customary safety standards of an SUV – and white steering wheels. -
E-mobility is already this climate friendly today
Step-by-step on the way to a climate-neutral electric car: Using the ID.3 as an example, employees from Volkswagen’s Technical Development unit have examined how the carbon footprint of electric cars in Europe compares with that of internal combustion engines. With a clear result. -
A car for all occasions
Plenty of space for family and leisure, compact for city traffic, and comfortable over longer journeys – there’s really nothing the new Volkswagen ID.4 can’t do. -
E-car production for the world
Volkswagen is working flat out to expand its global production network for electric cars – the start of ID.3 production at the Transparent Factory in Dresden is the latest example. An overview. -
From old to new – Battery recycling in Salzgitter
Something is happening in Salzgitter that has never been seen before in the Volkswagen Group – the first plant for recycling used electric car batteries is beginning operations. We look back at the development of this innovative and sustainable process. -
Energy expert: As much electrification as possible, as much hydrogen as necessary
Electricity or hydrogen? Germany is debating this question passionately once again. Dr. Felix Matthes is the research coordinator for energy policy at the Ökoinstitut and a member of the National Hydrogen Council. In this interview, he explains which technology makes sense in which areas and how the energy transition can succeed. We talked to him just a few weeks ago. -
“Electromobility and the sustainable energy industry belong together”
With its electric offensive, Volkswagen Group has massively increased sales of e-vehicles and only just missed the EU targets for CO2 emissions from its new car fleet. In an interview, Rebecca Harms, a member of the independent Sustainability Council, calls for more small models and a fast pace regarding the so-called Energiewende, or energy transition. -
“Every battery has to prove its safety in 5,000 tests”
Driving electric means driving safely: Before the battery systems of modern e-cars from Volkswagen hit the road, they have passed a lifetime of comprehensive safety checks. Dr. Michal Bruna is Head of Electronics Development and Testing at the Battery Development Center of Volkswagen Group Components in Brunswick. He explains what release tests the energy storage devices have to undergo. -
On the way to becoming a climate-neutral company
The fight against global warming is one of the most important global challenges. We explain what Volkswagen is doing for climate protection. -
„Charging stations belong in the center of cities“
Rainer Zietlow drove to 652 e-charging stations in Germany. He draws a positive conclusion - but also sees room for improvement. -
Climate-friendly fuel for sea freighters
In order to reduce its CO2 emissions, Volkswagen is not only focusing on e-cars and climate-neutral production, but is also looking at the sea transportation of its vehicles. In order to operate car carriers in a more climate-friendly way, the Group is relying on fuel made from used vegetable oil from the catering and food industries. -
City, country, motorway: let’s see where the ID.3 can take us!
“Range” is no problem for the new, fully-electric models from the ID. family. Thanks to some innovative technology, the ID.3 is ideally suited to dealing with any traffic situation. At the wheel of an electric model, your driving is different, more conscious, more targeted, more efficient – and driving is still fun! This is how! -
ID.3: Volkswagen team focuses on digital project management
In the midst of the corona pandemic, the first e-car of a new era came onto the market: the ID.3. Since March, the project management has been functioning almost completely digitally. The new way of working has proven itself – and helps protect the climate. -
A strong team behind a strong car
With the ID.3 a new era has begun at Volkswagen. Behind the electric model is a team that also consists of many successful women. Three of them explain how they made the ID.3 a special car. -
VfL Wolfsburg leads the way in climate protection
E-cars, natural gas, emission certificates: As part of the "Race to Zero" initiative of the United Nations, the Bundesliga club wants to be the first professional soccer club in the world to be CO₂-neutral by 2025. -
Internal competition: Three designs for the Auto 2050
E-mobility and digitalization are revolutionizing our vehicles. At Volkswagen, the winners of a design competition for the ID.3 of the year 2050 have now been announced. Their designs impress with their high level of aerodynamics, spacious interior and freedom to enjoy. -
"We're looking for the supercell!"
When Tim Dagger decided to study chemistry in 2008, there was initially little indication of a career in the automotive industry. Then electric mobility became increasingly important – and Tim bet on the right horse. “Since 2012 I have been working on lithium-ion technology. It makes me very happy to see how the technology is now helping electric cars penetrate the mass market,” says Tim. -
Astypalea: Smart, sustainable island
Astypalea up until now is probably only known to insiders. The small island is located in the Aegean Sea, it belongs to Greece and is especially known for its butterflies. This is likely to change in the future: Astypalea will become a model for smart, emission-free mobility. The island wants to prove that a purely electric transport system is already possible today – without any restrictions on the mobility of its inhabitants. We explain the details. -
How to make Halloween your ID.4 festival
With our cutting template you can easily give your pumpkin the look of our new all-electric SUV. -
“A travel card covering all modes of transport”
Experts agree: the transport of the future must be networked. In an interview, Meike Niedbal, Head of Smart City at Deutsche Bahn, talks about the interaction of rail, car and e-scooters. She also explains why railway stations are gaining importance as co-working spaces. -
On a global journey with the new ID.4
The first electric SUV from Volkswagen is to become a world car: built globally, sold globally. Marco Franke and Tayfun Sentürk accompany the ID.4 from Zwickau to Tennessee and Shanghai. -
Jobs Created, Prosperity Earned
A special relationship exists between the former Volkswagen Group CEO Carl H. Hahn and Saxony. He was the head of Volkswagen when the Wall fell in 1989 – and pushed for the construction of new plants in the East. A retrospective: -
30 Facts about Volkswagen in East Germany
Thirty years ago, people in the GDR brought down the wall separating East and West Germany in a peaceful revolution. The anniversary is an occasion to look back at the automotive industry in the eastern Federal states. -
From the Trabi to the ID.3
Bernd Perfölz knows them all. And does so intimately: the Trabant, the Polo, the Golf, the Golf Variant, the Passat – and now the ID.3. The reason is that the technical expert at the Volkswagen plant Zwickau started his apprenticeship as a communications technician at VEB Sachsenring Zwickau in 1972 when he was 17. A journey through time. -
“The design of the ID.4 saves customers hard cash”
With the ID.4, Volkswagen presents the brand’s first fully electric SUV. The car is built and sold in Europe, China and later in the USA. In an interview, Klaus Zyciora, Head of Volkswagen Group Design, explains how to design a vehicle for different markets – and how customers benefit. -
Electric, clean, SUV – ID.4 prior to the world premiere
The ID.4 is coming – the expectations are high: World car. With its first electric SUV, the Volkswagen brand wants to take e-mobility out of its niche in the key markets of Europe, China and the USA. The ID.4 will be produced and sold locally in all three regions. Just in time for the world premiere, this dossier provides the most important facts. -
Pioneers in climate-friendly vehicle manufacturing
The Volkswagen Group is on its way to climate neutrality. An important component: new products such as the ID.4, the first fully electric SUV from the Volkswagen brand. The car, which is about to make its world premiere, will be built and sold in Europe, China and later also in the USA. "The ID.4 stands for clean mobility in a CO2 balance sheet neutral manner," says Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the brand. Like the ID.3, it leaves the Zwickau plant without a an ecological backpack. In addition to Zwickau, the pioneers of climate-friendly vehicle construction throughout the Group are the plants of Audi in Brussels, Bentley in Crewe and ŠKODA in Vrchlabí, Czech Republic, which are already producing CO2-neutral on their balance sheets. -
“The ID.4 to become an electrically powered world car”
The ID.4 is the first electric SUV from Volkswagen. Expectations are high, as the new model is intended to drive the company’s e-offensive worldwide. In an interview, Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the brand, and Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Board of Management responsible for e-mobility, explain key strategic relationships. -
Record breaking all-electric drive to Switzerland
Efficiency master Felix Egolf took the first ID.3 to Switzerland. He drove the model with the medium battery pack (420 kilometers according to WLTP) from the Volkswagen plant in Zwickau to Schaffhausen – and mastered a distance of 531 kilometers with just one single battery charge. A record drive. -
Following three comes four: Series production of the ID.4 begins in Zwickau
The ID. family gets new blood: With the start of series production of the ID.4, Volkswagen’s first fully-electric SUV celebrates its production start at the Zwickau plant, only virtually on the Internet due to Corona, but the guestlist is nevertheless prominent: In addition to brand CEO Ralf Brandstätter and E-Mobility Director Thomas Ulbrich, Saxony’s Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer (CDU) also congratulated Volkswagen on the second ID. Model “Made in Saxony”. The ID.4 is also a milestone for automobile production: Like its predecessor the ID.3, the e-model will be manufactured and delivered in a CO2-neutral manner. -
Innovation without sacrifice: SUVs and climate protection
Climate change is one of the most crucial challenges facing humanity. We all have a responsibility to stop global warming. Volkswagen was the world’s first car manufacturer to commit itself to the goals of the Paris Agreement. The entire Group is to become carbon neutral by 2050 at the latest. In order to protect the climate and implement the relevant political provisions, we are rigorously redesigning our vehicles to meet electric mobility standards. That also applies to SUVs, a growing favorite among customers all over the world, but often criticized as environmental “sinners”. SUVs are a key element in the Group-wide electric offensive towards sustainable mobility. -
Volkswagen brand boss Ralf Brandstätter: On the road with the ID.3
The new Volkswagen brand boss Ralf Brandstätter is consistently driving forward the brand’s e-offensive. One of his first trips took him to the Zwickau plant, where he learned about the current status of the transformation to a pure e-car plant and the production of the ID. family. He used the trip to Zwickau for a test drive with the new ID.3. -
“We need more courage when it comes to expanding the charging infrastructure”
Johannes Schlaich is Professor of Mobility and Transport at the Beuth University of Applied Science in Berlin. In an interview, he talks about the practical suitability of electric cars and explains how digitalization can support the expansion of e-mobility. -
A production facility that has become part of the family - Happy Birthday, Salzgitter!
When the Volkswagen plant in Salzgitter went into operation half a century ago, Georg Schoske was already an old hand at the company. “I had been manufacturing the Beetle in Wolfsburg since 1962. It was fun. But when Salzgitter opened, you didn’t have to ask me for long,” the 81-year-old recalls. Even then, Schoske lived with his family in Steinlah – 60 kilometers from the Wolfsburg plant, but only 20 kilometers from the Salzgitter plant. Even before the official inauguration, he switched. Since then the factory has become a family affair. Son Rainer Schoske (55) started his professional life in Salzgitter, as did grandson Marvin Schoske (23). Three generations – one factory. -
No more doubt – mankind is responsible
We have compiled a dossier with assessments on climate change by leading scientists. For them, one thing is clear: mankind bears a crucial responsibility for global warming. -
Food supply at risk
We have compiled assessments on climate change by leading scientists in a dossier. They warn: Unabated global warming has dramatic consequences for the whole of humanity – whether through crop failures, wars or the spread of disease. -
“What matters is the political framework”
We have compiled assessments on climate change by leading scientists in a dossier. Gunnar Luderer is Deputy Chair of the Department for Sustainable Transformation Pathways at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). In an interview, he explains how individuals can act to protect the climate – and what politicians should do. In addition to his duties at PIK, Luderer is Professor for Global Energy Systems Analysis at the Technical University of Berlin. -
“The shift to electric mobility continues”
Following the Corona-related break, Volkswagen in Zwickau is slowly ramping up production of the fully electric ID.3 this week. With the restart on Thursday, Zwickau will be the company’s first vehicle plant in Germany to be gradually brought back into operation. -
When the vision becomes reality
While production at the Zwickau vehicle plant is at a standstill, work on Volkswagen’s electrical future continues in the pilot hall there. Not only are the distance rules strictly adhered to – the motivation of the employees is also high. -
“The MEB is a decisive plus point”
The battery is considered the heart of modern electric cars. Frank Blome heads the Battery Cell business unit at Volkswagen Group Components. In an interview, he explains how the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) works and what progress can be expected in battery technology. -
When the vision becomes reality
During the visit of the Volkswagen Sustainability Council, the Zwickau facility demonstrates how much the transition to climate-friendly e-mobility is transforming the location. The independent experts are impressed. -
The big cost comparison: e-car vs. combustion engine
The ID.3 is intended to make e-mobility affordable and practical for everyone. For customers, its total costs are already on a par with those of comparable combustion engine vehicles – and even lower. -
Battery or fuel cell, that is the question
E-battery or hydrogen – what is the most sustainable mobility strategy? We explain where, according to the current state of play, the decisive advantages of the e-drive system lie in comparison to the fuel cell. And why Volkswagen’s decision to consistently promote e-mobility is the right one. -
Seven big misconceptions – E-car fact check
Expensive, dangerous, unpredictable: there are many reservations about electric cars. We concentrate on seven – and fact check them. -
Lithium mining: What you should know about the contentious issue
Electric cars are significant contributors to climate protection – but the mining of lithium for the batteries is often criticized. The discussion focuses on the extraction of raw materials in the South American salt deserts. Questions and answers for a more informed debate. -
Fact-finding expedition to the lithium desert of Chile
Does lithium mining harm the inhabitants of the Atacama Desert in Chile? Repeated reports have been published – but for a reliable overall picture the facts are not available. Franziska Killiches, an expert for sustainable raw materials procurement at Volkswagen, therefore set out to investigate the matter herself. -
„The efficiency of pure battery-electric vehicles is much higher” (Frank Welsch)
Battery-powered or hydrogen-powered electric cars? In Germany, this controversy never seems to come to an end. But the facts are clear. We explain the significant advantages of the electric drive over the fuel cell according to latest research. And why Volkswagen’s decision to push e-mobility forward is absolutely right. -
Zwickau: flagship of e-mobility
Angela Merkel was a witness today, on 4th of November, when Volkswagen finally entered the age of e-mobility. In the presence of the German Chancellor and Volkswagen CEO Herbert, the first ID.3 production vehicle rolled off the assembly line in Zwickau, in the Free State of Saxony. -
For millions, not for millionaires
Volkswagen Group has been converting its Zwickau factory in the Free State of Saxony to e-mobility since 2018. It will be completed in 2020. 1.2 billion euros is the investment in the state-of-the-art location. The three-year conversion is very challenging since it is taking place while production is continuing. -
The customer decides which technology meets their requirements
At the Volkswagen brand, cars such as the Golf GTE and the Touareg R celebrate their world premieres. In an interview, COO Ralf Brandstätter talks about the further development of various drive systems and the switch to climate-friendly e-mobility. -
Powering into the future with a single gear
February 29, 2020 is a leap year day. We show how Volkswagen Group revolutionized the automatic transmission with the DSG dual-clutch transmission and and how to change gear on the e-drive. -
Green energy supplier Elli draws a positive conclusion
The switch to e-mobility only makes sense if there is a consistent expansion of renewable energy at the same time. With Elli, Volkswagen has established its own green energy provider. For a year now, the company has been helping its customers achieve their own personal energy transition – time for an initial interim assessment. -
‘Volkswagen is entering a new age with the ID.3’
The ID.3 is the first model in the fully electric ID. family. In an interview, Jürgen Stackmann explains why electric vehicles are now the right choice for many people and talks about the role played by the long-term communication strategy. -
100% E: the mega conversion in Zwickau
The ID.3 represents the dawning of a new era. Not just because it is based on a new vehicle platform, but because the car also sees the launch of new developments and a paradigm shift. Reinhard de Vries, managing director of technology and logistics at Volkswagen Sachsen, talks about the challenges and special moments on the path towards electric mobility. -
Why the ID.3 is New Volkswagen
Dr Silke Bagschik’s role in the ID. project is to look after the interests of customers, dealers and employees by generating and maintaining interest in electric vehicles. In episode 17 of ‘Becoming ID.’, the 45-year-old head of e-mobility sales and marketing tells us how she is achieving this and why the ID.3 represents New Volkswagen like no other model. -
“This data is doubly valuable”
The “Lower Saxony testing ground” has been taken into operation between Wolfsburg and Brunswick (Braunschweig). Volkswagen is also using this new, 7 km test route. There are two reasons for this: in the short term, the aim is to gain further knowledge for assisted driving such as Car2X, and in the longer term the software for developing automated driving is to be improved. -
Why the ID.3 will be a bestseller
From the MQB to the MEB, the biggest transformation since the Golf is set to begin at Volkswagen with the launch of the ID. family. Head developer Frank Bekemeier had to completely rethink electric mobility in order to build up to three million fully electric vehicles by 2025 as planned. -
The future begins in Los Angeles
With the “Building an Electric Future” exhibition, Volkswagen and the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles are offering an insight into the development of the mobility of tomorrow. -
Volkswagen lets its charging robots loose
Volkswagen Group Components presents a new and visionary charging concept. Mobile robots will charge electric vehicles completely autonomously in future. Every parking space can become a charging point. -
"We are in the first wave of transformation"
Prof. Ferdinand Dudenhöffer from Duisburg’s CAR-Center Automotive Research is one of the best-known automotive experts. In an interview, he talks about the upheaval in the industry, the prospects for e-mobility and Germany as an automotive location. -
New Volkswagen – how does a global brand reinvent itself?
New drive technology, new design, new logo. Volkswagen practically reinvented itself last year. “New Volkswagen” is an expression of this. -
SUV offensive: How we are strengthening the core business
In 2019, SUVs were fully on-trend. In line with this, Volkswagen celebrated two milestones, unveiled its smallest vehicle in the segment, and will in future be focusing on zero-emission SUVs. -
How we are expanding our model range
The year 2019 was dominated by transformation and product offensives. Volkswagen is thus pursuing the major goal of transforming its fleet to e-mobility while at the same time, further expanding its market share and profitability. -
This is how the ID.3 sounds
How should a car sound that drives almost silently? The Volkswagen sound designers from the team of Design Manager Klaus Bischoff asked themselves the same question. The results are very impressive. -
“We” Ecosystem: How we are networking the world
In 2019, flexible mobility services were in high demand. Volkswagen therefore expanded its offering and will continue developing new value-added services at a central location going forward. -
Volkswagen is becoming more connected
In 2019, Volkswagen pushed ahead with its drive to digitize its vehicles and production. The establishment of a cross-brand “Car.Software” organization within the Group is one element of this offensive. Volkswagen is also working with strong partners such as Microsoft, Amazon Web Services and Argo to focus on digital transformation in all areas. -
Electromobility: Why we are focusing on E
With the ID.3, Volkswagen is ushering in a new era – that of mass electric mobility. -
What we do for the climate
2019 was dominated by climate protection and decarbonization. Volkswagen is all the more committed to e-mobility, clean electricity and a CO2-neutral supply chain. We give you a summary and five info graphics. -
Rear-wheel drive again at last!
At this job, secrets are on the daily agenda: secrets about the future of car construction. As a vehicle controller, Sven Köhler deals with Volkswagen’s most secret vehicles from an early stage – and this included the first prototypes of ID.3 a few years ago. An interview with vehicle controller Sven Köhler. -
Light brings the ID.3 to life
What effects does light have on the emotional character of a vehicle? It can create an emotional charge – and connect with people, making it easier to interact with the machine because it feels more natural. Sandra Sturmat, light designer at Volkswagen, is jointly responsible for the ID.3 lighting. An interview. -
12 facts on the ID.Charger
With the ID.Charger, customers will be able to charge their e-cars quickly and conveniently at home in the future. Here’s what you need to know about the socalled "Wallbox", made by Volkswagen. Included are three info graphics and a video. -
This much space is possible
The ID. SPACE VIZZION is the seventh member of the ID. family. Now the study has been presented to a global audience for the first time. -
Knowledge is power
The Volkswagen Educational Institute: Founded in 1990 with economic foresight and political backing, is now a highly professional institution. Initially, a lot of improvisation was necessary. Today, the wholly owned Volkswagen Sachsen GmbH subsidiary is moving in global circles. -
"We increase the speed, once more!"
Volkswagen Group is resolutely pressing ahead with its transformation. Investments in the future fields of hybridization, electromobility and digitization will rise to almost 60 billion euros. Read more ... -
Wheels significantly alter vehicle design
Close to 50 per cent of a vehicle’s overall appearance is defined by the wheels. Additionally, colours come across completely differently on different wheel designs. Matthias Valencia, who is jointly responsible for the wheel design of the ID. range, tells us why this is and how important wheel design is to vehicle efficiency. -
That's what "New Volkswagen" is all about
"New Volkswagen" celebrates its premiere in China with a spectacular drone show in Guangzhou. We answer the most important questions and show a video with the head of design explaining the new logo. -
15 Laptops are steering this Golf
Since March 2019 Volkswagen has been testing autonomous driving on public roads in Hamburg with five converted e-Golf. By 2025, a self-driving system should be ready for the markets. -
Color, material, geometry – that’s it!
A logical balance between materials and shapes forms the surfaces of the ID.3 and, more generally, the ID. range. Diana Zynda – Head of the MEB Colour & Trim Team at Volkswagen – explains what exactly is important when it comes to a new genetic focus for the electric ID. range. An interview. -
High-tech in production
Volkswagen is converting the Zwickau plant into a modern high-tech facility. We take a look at the automotive production of the future. We have been to the sheetmetal shop, the body shop, the paint shop, and talked to the experts. -
The largest training camp in the automotive industry
Volkswagen is training all their 8,000 employees at the Zwickau plant to be ready for e-car production by 2021. The cost and effort are enormous – but also justified. After all, Zwickau will be the trailblazer for production of the Volkswagen ID. family. -
We do electric mobility the Volkswagen way
He turned a vision into reality with the ID.3: Klaus Bischoff, Volkswagen head designer. In the interview series ‘Becoming ID.’, the 57-year-old tells us why a separate product family was developed for electric mobility and what the unique requirements of an electric vehicle are. -
CO2 neutral ID.3: just like that
The ID.3 marks the beginning of a new era – also in the field of sustainability. The electric car is the first Volkswagen to be manufactured in a carbon neutral balance sheet manner. How Volkswagen does it? Through a comprehensive sustainable strategy. Read more on this further down, with five info graphics and a video. -
What makes the interior of the ID.3 so special?
New design ideas require courage and freedom: in episode 11 of Becoming ID., interior designer Alex Gebel tells us why the new ID.3’s interior is less like a car and more like a modern-day, mobile living room. -
Car city Zwickau: From Horch to e-mobility
Zwickau has been considered the cradle of the Saxon automotive industry for 114 years. By 2020, the Volkswagen Group will develop the site to become Europe’s largest competence center for electromobility. A chronicle. -
The ID.3’s safety technologies
The new ‘centre airbag’ should prevent the front-seat passengers’ heads from colliding. Stefan Hagen, who is responsible for side impacts in the ID.3, tells us exactly how it works. -
For jobs and prosperity
A special relationship exists between the former Volkswagen Group CEO Carl H. Hahn and Saxony and the other East German states. Hahn was head of Volkswagen when the Wall fell in 1989. A retrospective -
Driving at the limit
They are driving on a Portuguese race track: Volkswagen development engineers with autonomous driving cars. The independent motor journalist Michael Gebhardt was there and even got in the car. -
New ID.3: ‘Today, safety wouldn’t be possible without simulation’
To begin with, the new airbag in the ID.3, which inflates between the two front seats, was developed virtually on the computer. How did that work and how did a supercomputer precalculate these crash situations? Ernst Glas, who is responsible for calculation as Head of Vehicle Safety, tells us. -
What’s the ‘idea of the battery’ in the ID.3?
The safety and lightweight design of the ID.3: Volkswagen’s first-ever full-surface underbody protection is made from aluminium and designed to minimise the drag coefficient (Cd value). This not only ensures efficient driving and optimum stability, but also drastically reduces weight and distinguishes the ID.3 battery construction from that of competitors. Norman Tenneberg, Head of subdepartment High Voltage Battery Housing, Underbody cladding and Wheel Arch Liner, tells us how challenging it was to work on the crash-proof battery housing. -
Silently through the countryside
Is e-mobility only suitable for short drives in town? The Maribondo da Floresta foundation in rural northern Germany shows that this isn’t the case. We visit an extraordinary business group. -
From virtual to physical – the ID.3 straight out of the computer
Ureol – ever heard of it? This wood-like material is used in the development process for passenger cars to create the bodywork for final product decisions. One of the people behind the ID.3 data control model and design experience vehicle is foreman Peter Krause.
