VW Neo EV likely next year

Volkswagen aims to launch its first mass-market electric car, dubbed the Neo, in 2019.

The five-door hatchback model is expected to come with three different battery pack choices to allow for different budgets, starting at about US$30,000.

The entry-level EV will have about a 330km range but a more limited performance.

“If people want a faster car then I don’t want them coming back after three months telling me that it’s fast but that the range is too short. So if you want a fast car, you’ll need a bigger battery – simple,” VW E-Mobility product line head Christian Senger says.

A longer-range version is reported to have nearly 450km range, with Senger saying the range-topping battery capacity is still being finalised.

The Neo will be slightly longer than the VW Golf, Auto Express reports after talking with Senger.

Two forms of AC charging will be provided – 7.2kW and 11kW – plus DC charging at up to 125kW.

VW aims to have 27 all-electric MEB platform models on sale by the end of 2022. About 10 million vehicles will be based on the platform’s first wave.

Over-the-air updates for the vehicle are expected to be provided, similar to the way Tesla does it, Auto Express says.

The Neo is expected to be revealed in the final quarter of 2019.

VW says it’s providing transport and logistical solutions for every job, the electrified range including a cargo version of the I.D. Buzz microbus, a fuel cell 3.5 tonne transporter, a cargo e-bike, a small van and a hybrid diesel-electric transporter.