Volkswagen May Produce R-Badged Performance EV

Volkswagen could produce an R-badged performance model, based around one of its upcoming I.D. electric vehicles.

During a recent interview with Autocar, the boss of VW’s R division, Jost Capito, said the German automaker needs to ensure any ID R model it makes is up to scratch.

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

According to Capito, no decision has been made as to when the vehicle will see the light of day.

“We have an idea, based on what’s going on on the racing and production side, but we haven’t defined a date yet. The development [in EV technology] is going too quick that every month you have changes. At some point, you have to say: this is what we want, define it and go for it.”

Electric performance is coming to VW’s range.

Volkswagen has also yet to decide which of its ID models will be the first to benefit from R treatment. To help it decide, the brand will figure out which vehicle will offer the best compromise between performance and everyday usability. The most likely candidate is the I.D. hatch or I.D. Crozz SUV.

Whatever choice is made, Volkswagen is in a strong position to create a high-performance electric vehicle thanks to the knowledge it gained with the record-setting Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak and with the Audi Formula E team. VW-owned Porsche will also enter Formula E soon, increasing the firm’s EV presence even further.

Speaking about the I.D. R Pikes Peak, Volkswagen motorsport boss Sven Smeets said it shows how exciting electric cars can be.

“This project was a demonstration of what the ID family will be, and what R will be in an electric future. Our idea was to convince people that electric cars are not boring. They can be very emotional – and we’ve proven that.”