VW-SAIC reveal first MEB models for China
Volkswagen plans to produce three electric models based on the MEB modular electrification system together with its China partner SAIC at the new plant in Anting near Shanghai. An internal report specifying two of the three models has been unearthed.
Chinese media broke the news with reference to an internal SAIC-Volkswagen document. For the three MEB models that will roll off the production line in the plant, two have already been selected. One was introduced as an electric SUV concept called ID. Roomzz as well as Skoda’s first MEB electric car Vision iV. The third model for the Anting plant is not yet known.
The plant has been under construction since October 2018 and is scheduled to go live in autumn 2020. The announcement in 2018 still stated that both partners intend to build up to 300,000 MEB power supplies of the VW, Audi and Skoda brands as well as battery systems there each year. The models named by Gasgoo come from VW and Skoda, so an Audi based on MEB is still missing. The Ingolstadt-based company has so far shown the Q4 e-tron as a MEB study. As it is also an E-SUV, a joint production with Vision iV and ID. Roomzz in China would be possible.
In China, only the joint ventures with FAW and SAIC will benefit from the modular electrification system for the time being, but not the joint venture with JAC. In addition to Shanghai, the MEB models will also be manufactured at the FAW-Volkswagen plant in Foshan, China, which opened in 2018 – and of course in Zwickau, Germany.
Regarding the vehicles themselves, the ID. Roomzz is a large electric SUV with three rows of seats and a range of 450 kilometres and was specially designed for the Chinese market. Volkswagen speaks of the ID. Roomzz as a “multivariable all-round model of the five-metre class”. Group President Herbert Diess presented the concept with 82-kWh battery and 150-kW quick-charging capability in April in the run-up to the Shanghai Motor Show.
The Skoda Vision iV was initially presented this spring at the Geneva Motor Show. Although the same battery as the ID powers the Skoda. Roomzz and Q4 e-tron, as well as 225 kW powerful electric motors, the Czechs, indicate a range of up to 500 kilometres in the WLTP cycle. One of the reasons: While the ID. Roomzz can travel at speeds of up to 180 km/h according to VW; the Skoda is limited to more economical speeds up to 160 km/h.
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