Spied Electric Vehicles Dominate Proceedings In This Week’s EV Roundup

The previous week’s EV roundup saw a couple of EV debuts, a radical Mustang EV prototype, and the production of the ID.3 resuming. This week saw a few upcoming EVs being spotted testing either undisguised or in camo wraps. Other highlights include Volkswagen announcing a lineup of low-budget EVs in the pipeline and a modified Tesla going up on sale. Here’s all the news in detail:

Maruti Suzuki XL5 Spied Again

With no Maruti Suzuki EVs expected for 2020, the carmaker is continuing testing of its upcoming XL5/Wagon R EV in the country ahead of its expected 2021 debut. It retains the heavy camouflage but is likely to feature cosmetic tweaks like split headlamps, 15-inch alloy wheels, and minor rear changes. Interiors are expected to be similar to the standard Wagon R. Technical specs are yet to be revealed, but it could be offered in both electric and internal combustion engine options.

Volkswagen ID.4 Coupe Spied

While we already know what the Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover looks like thanks to various teaser images, the carmaker’s coupe iteration has now been spied testing with minimal camouflage. It retains similar proportions and design bits from the ID.4 crossover, but the most striking change is the lower roof to give it a fastback stance. While technical specifications haven’t been revealed, it is likely to be powered by a more powerful all-wheel-drive powertrain compared to the ID Crozz that produces a combined output of 306PS/320Nm.

Skoda Enyaq Electric Spied

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As Skoda is part of the Volkswagen Group, the carmaker is also preparing its lineup for electrification. One of its upcoming models is the Skoda Enyaq Electric crossover that has been spied testing. It will be based on Volkswagen’s MEB modular platform like the ID.4. Spy shots reveal a different design philosophy compared to the ID.4. Instead of a coupe-like stance, the Enyaq sports a tall, boxy stance, which is likely to translate to better cabin space. Technical specifications are yet to be revealed, but the Enyaq is likely to feature powertrains with range capacity options of up to 500km on a single charge. Expect a debut by the end of this year and a launch in international markets by 2021.

Volkswagen Planning A Lineup Of Small EVs

The Volkswagen Group currently has a small EV called the e-UP sold in three badges. But all that looks likely to expand as reports suggest the carmaker is planning a new lineup of small EVs based on a modified version of the MEB platform. The aim is to bring costs below EUR 20,000 (Rs 16.45 lakh). Also important to note that this may not be the ID.1 that is undergoing development. 

Volvo Polestar 2 Safety Features Revealed

Volvo, one of the benchmarks of safety standards in the auto industry, has revealed that its upcoming Polestar 2 will be the safest EV in its lineup. Some safety highlights include new front inner side airbags, a battery pack enclosed in an aluminium case for both protection and rigidity, Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS), and next-gen Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology.

Tesla Model S Shooting Brake On Sale

Two years ago, Amsterdam-based RemetzCar managed to create a ‘shooting brake’ iteration of the Tesla Model S with the EV being mechanically unchanged aside from the addition of aluminium body panels, a new c-pillar, a modified and extended roofline, and modified windows. This modified Model S instantly went viral and there were rumours of limited production units being made. However, that never materialised. Well now, the Model S Shooting Brake has resurfaced once again, albeit on sale on a classic car website. The main talking point is the selling price at around USD 245,000 (Rs 1.85 crore). That is more than double the cost of a standard Model S which is in the range of USD 80,000 (Rs 60.60 lakh) to USD 100,000 (Rs 75.75 lakh).

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