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Volkswagen’s boss hasn’t ruled out an electric pick-up.
Volkswagen’s CEO, Herbert Diess, took to Reddit recently to answer some questions from the public, and said that he “likes the idea” of the company making an electric pickup for the US market. Unfortunately, he didn’t go into any more detail, but it raises an interesting idea.
Looking at the current hype around the launch of the Rivian R1T, the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Hummer pickup, as well as the ongoing excitement for the likes of the Tesla Cybertruck and the recently revealed electric version of the Chevrolet Silverado, it would seem that the larger full-size pickup is the EV of the moment in the US, but that would be quite a stretch for Volkswagen’s existing small MEB platform to form the basis of an American-sized pickup.
While Volkswagen’s commercial vehicle collaboration with Ford could well come into play, but the F-150 wasn’t included in that initial deal. However, the Ranger was, with the forthcoming new Ranger also spawning the next Volkswagen Amarok. And given we are still expecting some form of electrified Ranger at some stage, there are a few wider options for the German giant when it comes to electric utes.
Alex Kraus/Bloomberg
Herbert Diess, chief executive officer of Volkswagen, took to Reddit to answer some public questions.
While he didn’t go any further on the idea of an electric pickup, Diess did confirm the ID.4 SUV will get Plug and Charge – a system that allows users to plug into any paid charger and start charging without the need for key fobs , apps or touch screens by automatically syncing accounts – and Auto Hold in the near future.
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Bi-directional charging will also be available this year for all ID models with the 77kWh battery. This will initially be limited to vehicle-to-home, Diess said.
DAMIEN O’CARROLL/FOOTAGE SUPPLIED
The teasing is over – this is Volkswagen’s ID.4 electric SUV.
He added that both Audi and Bentley are hard at work on electric limousines, and Volkswagen is developing an alternate design to the ID.3 cabriolet concept it has previously shown.
At the same ‘Ask Me Anything’ session, he reaffirmed his desire to see a return of the Beetle as an EV, although it will happen after the ID. Buzz launches in March.
“Our most emotional car in our history is definitely the microbus. This was my first priority to bring this icon back to life. But yes, many other emotional cars are possible on our scalable MEB platform.”
Other questions including asking Diess on his opinions of the auto industry in 25 years, to which he said:
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Volkswagen’s ID Buzz is due to launch in March.
“25 years is very difficult to predict. Advancements in technology are coming fast. My guess: All cars will be able to drive autonomously, very safe, probably no accidents at all any more. Emission-free, very comfortable – cars will take you where you want to go and when you want to go.
“Still there will be precious brands for different customer preferences, still cars will be the most important means of transport. But totally safe, convenient and sustainable.”
As for cheaper cars, Diess said that VW is working on cars around the 20,000 euro mark for entry segments, but wouldn’t go into more detail.
He also confirmed his favorite type of cheese is manchego.