#TBT: The long journey of EVs, from Elektro Bus to Volkswagen ID.4 EV and beyond
Arriving soon, the all-electric VW ID.4 SUV marks the culmination of nearly five decades of work by Volkswagen exploring how to make electric vehicles accessible worldwide. From early experiments to thought-provoking concepts, each project pushed the boundaries of available technologies. Here's a look back at VW vehicles that paved the way for an EV future.
1972: Elektro-Bus/Elektro-Transporter
In the early 1970s, soaring oil prices and fuel shortages prompted Volkswagen to explore alternative powertrains. An 11-person team developed a battery system that would power Volkswagen's first all-electric concept vehicle - the Elecktro Bus - at the Centre for Future Research in Wolfsburg, Germany.
The 1972 Bus - which had a short production run of about 120 vehicles - was powered by heavy, low-capacity lead-acid batteries. Like most modern EVs, the battery pack was located on the vehicle floor in the center of the chassis, necessary given its size and 1,847-lb. weight. Unlike today, however, its range was a mere 25 miles, and top speed was only 43 miles per hour.
1976: The Electric Golf Mk1At first glance, the Electric Golf Mk1 conceptlooked like any other Golf hatchback, but instead of a four-cylinder gas engine, it featured a 27-horsepower electric motor and a four-speed manual gearbox. The car's range was roughly 31 miles. Charging the 16.6-volt lead-acid batteries via a 220-watt connection took about six hours - and the battery pack was so huge it required taking out the Golf's rear seats. Volkswagen engineers would regularly drive the model in normal traffic conditions to collect information that helped improve batteries in future models.
1981: Golf I CitySTROMer
Based on experience with the first electric Golf, Volkswagen worked with a German utility to further develop the concept. A total of around 25 prototype vehicles, known as the Golf CitySTROMer, were built as part of a small-scale production run. The CitySTROMer is considered one of the first electric vehicles suitable for everyday use, with room for four people. Its range was around 37 miles and it could travel about 62 miles a day with time for recharging.
1985: Golf II CitySTROMer
The Golf II CitySTROMer was the first electric vehicle built by Volkswagen for series production and eventual sale to the public in Germany. While the range of the Golf II CitySTROMer was down slightly to 31 miles from its predecessor, it offered the innovation of gel-electrolyte batteries carrying 11.4 kWh of energy, cutting enough weight to allow a top speed of 62 mph with its 31-hp electric motor. The 70 CitySTROMers built were mainly used for customer service by power utilities.
1988: Jetta CitySTROMer
Many of the early EV prototypes were designed around the limitations of older battery technology. The Jetta CitySTROMer concept was an early experiment with newer technologies, using sodium-sulfur chemistry instead of traditional lead-acid batteries. The pack weighed half as much as prior batteries, giving the Jetta up to 75 miles of range and a top speed of 65 mph - both extraordinary for their time - but the technology proved unsuitable for mass production.
1993: Golf Mark III CitySTROMer
When the Golf Mark III was released, Volkswagen revived the CitySTROMer line once again with the latest available technology. The 16 gel batteries could offer a range of up to 55 miles, but now the vehicle could be recharged to about 80 percent in 1.5 hours on a European power connection. The Mark III CitySTROMer also offered the ability to recuperate energy through braking - a key component of modern EVs. Over three years, 120 of the vehicles were built and sold in Germany.
2011: Volkswagen NILS concept
With the arrival of lithium-ion batteries, automakers considered wildly creative ways to innovate with the new technology. Debuting at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, the NILS concept was one of the most radical Volkswagen vehicles ever shown - a futuristic take on a commuter car based on "bubble" vehicles from the '50s and single-seat race cars. With a range of about 40 miles from a 5.3-kWh battery pack, the NILS could get to 60 mph in about 11 seconds and took approximately two hours to recharge. It also demonstrated an early version of radar-based braking and cruise control.
2013: e-Golf
The e-Golf was the first Volkswagen model produced in high volume with a purely electric drive and was the first fully electric Volkswagen to go on sale in the United States. The car offered all the benefits of a best-selling compact car, combined with zero tailpipe emissions, an EPA estimated 83 miles of range at launch and a practically silent driving experience. Using quick charging technology (CCS), its 24.2-kWh lithium-ion battery could be charged to 80 percent of its capacity in about 20 minutes. Later models offered an EPA estimated 125 miles of range thanks to more energy-dense batteries.¹
2018: The ID. R Pikes Peak
The ID. R Pikes Peak was Volkswagen's first all-electric race car and made history at the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Designed from scratch to maximize aerodynamic advantage, the Motorsports model got its power from two electric motors on each axle, with a total of 671 hp and 479 lb.-ft. of torque, variable among all four wheels. The car not only beat the previous electric record, but the overall record as well -- by 16 seconds.
2021: Volkswagen ID.4 EV
Volkswagen's first all-electric SUV arrives with an EPA estimated 250 miles of range for the 1st Edition and Pro S, 201 hp, DC fast-charging capacity and a host of features and technology that help make it easier than ever to adopt the EV lifestyle.² And from regenerative braking to an advanced lithium-ion battery in a vehicle with room for five passengers, the ID.4 shows how far EV technology has come over the years.
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3 Financing offers available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, on select: (i) new and unregistered Volkswagen models; (ii) "certified pre-owned" used Volkswagen vehicles; and (iii) other used vehicles. Financing example: Finance a 2021 Tiguan 2.0T Trendline FWD with 8-speed automatic transmission, at an MSRP of $29,795 plus $1,950 freight and PDI, $10 fee for applicable provincial Motor Vehicle Industry Council, $499 dealer fees, $20 Tire Tax and $100 a/c levy at 0.99% APR for 24 months with 104 weekly payments of $314.97. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, security deposit of $510 and first monthly payment are due at finance inception. Dealer charges are included. PPSA, licence, insurance, and registration charges, and applicable taxes are extra.The total financing obligation in this example is $32,756.88 (excluding taxes). Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Financing rates, payments, prices, figures, options, offers, terms and other information may, subject to applicable law, be changed or cancelled at any time without notice. Conditions apply. Please contact your Volkswagen dealer for details.
Lease offers available through Volkswagen Financial Service, on approved credit, on select: (i) new and unregistered Volkswagen models; and (ii) ""certified pre-owned"" Volkswagen vehicles. Lease example: Lease a 2021 Tiguan 2.0T Trendline FWD with 8-speed automatic transmission, at an MSRP of $29,795 plus
$1,950 freight and PDI, $10 fee for applicable provincial Motor Vehicle Industry Council,
$499 dealer fees, $20 Tire Tax and $100 a/c levy at 0.99% APR for 24 months with 104 weekly payments of $132.83. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, security deposit of $540 and first monthly payment are due at lease inception. Dealer charges are included. PPSA, licence, insurance, and registration charges, and applicable taxes are extra. Kilometre allowance of 16,000/year; charge of $0.15/km for excess kilometres. The total lease obligation in this example is $14,405.65 (excluding taxes and any excess wear and tear, late fees, or other similar fees or charges that may apply). Dealer may sell or lease for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Leasing rates, payments, prices, figures, options, offers, terms and other information may, subject to applicable law, be changed or cancelled at any time without notice. Conditions apply. Please contact your Volkswagen dealer for details. Although we endeavour to ensure that the information contained on this website is accurate, Volkswagen Canada, its dealers, and Volkswagen Financial Services are not responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur from time to time. "Volkswagen," the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license.
4 Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration.
5 Financing offers available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, on select prepaid maintenance plans in connection with the financing of select: (i) new and unregistered Volkswagen models; (ii) "certified pre-owned" used Volkswagen vehicles; and (iii) other used vehicles. Additional terms and conditions apply. Refer to actual contract or contact a Volkswagen dealer for complete details of coverage and exclusions. Financing example: Finance a prepaid plan at an MSRP of $1,675 at 0.99% APR for 24 months with 104 weekly payments of $16.27. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, security deposit of $510 and first monthly payment are due at finance inception. Dealer charges are included. PPSA, licence, insurance, and registration charges, and applicable taxes are extra. The total financing obligation in this example is $1,692.08 (excluding taxes). Dealer may sell for less. Financing rates, payments, prices, figures, options, offers, terms and other information may, subject to applicable law, be changed or cancelled at any time without notice. Conditions apply. Please contact your Volkswagen dealer for details. Although we endeavour to ensure that the information contained on this website is accurate, Volkswagen Canada, its dealers, and Volkswagen Financial Services are not responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur from time to time.
6 Financing offers available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, on select accessories in connection with the financing of new and unregistered Volkswagen models. Taxes, shipping, installation are excluded. Proper installation required. Professional installation may be recommended. See owner's literature and Volkswagen dealer for details. Financing example: Finance an accessory at an MSRP of $215 at 0.99% APR for 24 months with 104 weekly payments of $2.09. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, security deposit of $510 and first monthly payment are due at finance inception. Dealer charges are included. PPSA, licence, insurance, and registration charges, and applicable taxes are extra. The total financing obligation in this example is $217.06 (excluding taxes). Dealer may sell for less. Financing rates, payments, prices, figures, options, offers, terms and other information may, subject to applicable law, be changed or cancelled at any time without notice. Conditions apply. Please contact your Volkswagen dealer for details. Although we endeavour to ensure that the information contained on this website is accurate, Volkswagen Canada, its dealers, and Volkswagen Financial Services are not responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur from time to time.
7 This is the down payment that you anticipate paying in connection with the purchase of the vehicle.
13 This means the duration (in months) of your selected protection plan.
15 This means the maximum number kilometres that your selected protection plan will cover.
16 Certifed Pre-Owned Volkswagen vehicles undergo a comprehensive 112-point inspection. If something needs replacing, only genuine Volkswagen Original Parts are used. Every Volkswagen Certified Pre-Owned vehicle is covered by our Assurance Program. If the vehicle is within 5 model years or newer and less than 120,000 KMs, you can upgrade to the Premium Assurance program.
21 Depending on the province in which you live, you may be eligible to receive incentives. These include, but are not limited, to up to $4,000* from British Columbia's Go Electric BC Program (available on the ID.4 base trim only) or as much as $4,000 from Quebec's Roulez Vert program. The QC government has recently
announced that the program will be suspended as of Feb. 1, 2025. See About the Roulez vert Program for details. The Roulez Vert program also offers an additional rebate of $600 with the purchase of the Volkswagen 2-in-1 Charging Cable. If you live in BC in a single-family home, row home, or duplex, you could receive a rebate* of up to 50% of the purchase and installation costs of an eligible Level 2 EV charger, to a maximum of $350.◊◊
◊◊ Volkswagen Canada does not administer the incentives and is not responsible for any cancellations or changes to the incentive programs. Incentive information is provided for informational purposes only and Volkswagen Canada makes no representations or warranties about the actual amounts or eligibility. Information about the incentives is based on the most current information provided by the applicable government agencies, but could change in the future. The amount of the incentive, terms and conditions of the incentive, and any eligibility or application requirements vary by province. As of January 13, 2025, the federal government has paused the Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program. See Question and answers for details. *BC's EV incentive amount is prorated based on annual income and only available to those earning <$100,000 with the full amount available to those earning <$80,000. BC's EV charger rebate has different eligibility criteria. Conditions apply. See your dealer for more details or contact the provincial or federal administrator.
Limited time finance offer available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2024 ID.4 Electric ID.4 PRO S AWD base with single-speed transmission having a starting price of $58,299.00, including $68 PPSA registration fee (including third-party registering agent fee), $2,100 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $13 OMVIC fee, and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500), and included in weekly payment. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Finance example: 60-month term at 0.00% APR equals a weekly payment of $225, after application of $10,000 credit. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in due at signing. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Cost of borrowing is $0 for a total obligation of $58,299. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases). Conditions apply. Offers end January 31, 2025 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
$10,000 cash bonus available to be applied as a discount off MSRP, before taxes, on cash purchase, finance or lease (through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit) of new and unregistered 2024 ID.4 models
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