VW Is Considering A Fast, R-Badged EV – And It Could Be An SUV

Volkswagen’s ‘ID’ range of electric cars could gain a faster R-badged spin-off, if the company decides it’s viable, and it could use an SUV body.

It’s understood that the firm is currently testing early-stage prototypes for viability, off the back of the impressive Pikes Peak record run in the electric ID R, but packaging and cooling for the extra batteries and larger motors are causing issues within a road-going chassis.

Importantly, though, Volkswagen is planning R-badged electric models. Jost Capito, who runs the R division and is the man currently charged (pun intended) with bringing R into the electric propulsion sphere, told Autocar:

“If we do an R electric car, then it will be a proper R, or else it wouldn’t make sense.”

The tricky bit isn’t making it go fast, he told the British magazine, but finding the right balance between that and the driving range and usability that a future Volkswagen road-going EV has to offer. If extra space is needed for more batteries, Capito hinted that it could necessitate an SUV body style; currently the eventual production variant of the ID Crozz. He said:

“[Choosing which base model to adapt] depends on how we define performance vehicles. You need the space for motors and batteries, and the battery technology. It’s more complex than in the past with performance engines.”

Volkswagen’s 671bhp ID R electric Pikes Peak prototype racer last month took the outright record for the hill climb’s current course layout with a 7m57.148s sprint, averaging over 90.5mph over the 12.42-mile uphill course.

Source: Autocar