VW of America Confirms Electric SUV Launch in 2020

Volkswagen will be introducing a production crossover based on the I.D. Crozz concept to the North American market, which is making its U.S. debut in L.A. right now.

“The I.D. CROZZ-based electric vehicle will be an affordable and stylish electric SUV — and there is more to come,” said Hinrich Woebcken, CEO.

The L.A. Auto Show is North America’s first chance to see the I.D. Crozz concept that was first revealed at the Shanghai Auto Show back in April.

2017 LA Auto Show Full Coverage

The Crozz is a roughly Tiguan-sized crossover that, thanks to its lack of internal combustion engine, has the same amount of cabin space as a much bigger, traditionally propelled SUV.

Like the I.D. hatchback and the I.D. Buzz, the Crozz is based on VW’s electric platform, known as MEB. With a flat 83-kWh battery pack integrated into its frame under the bodywork and electric motors fore and aft, the Crozz concept makes a little more than 300 hp.

Power is sent to the rear wheels by default, with the front wheels kicking in only when grip is needed at the front.

Despite sending 200 hp to the rear wheels and 100 to the fronts, the Crozz concept still gets an estimated 300-mile range and will be able to recharge up to 80 percent in just 30 minutes, via a 150-kWh DC charger.

So far, just the Crozz and the Buzz are confirmed for the North American region, with the Buzz-derived production car expected in 2022. No official announcement on the I.D. hatchback has yet been made, but reports suggest that it won’t be revealed in North America during the global launch, meaning that at best we would have to wait until after 2020 to get it, and at worst, it may not come at all.

Still, though, VW has vowed to sell 15 different EV models by 2025, so the company is clearly dedicated to offering a range of vehicles. And Woebcken added in a release that the Crozz is just the start for the US.

“The I.D. CROZZ and the I.D. BUZZ will help Volkswagen to kick off an EV revolution in the United States,” said Woebcken. “All of our I.D. concept cars demonstrate the inherent flexibility, driving range and smart design that can serve the needs of 21st-century drivers.”

A version of this story originally appeared on VWVortex