The Volkswagen ID.7 Electric Saloon: The Complete Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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The All-Electric VW ID.7 Saloon

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Volkswagen AG, the Germany automotive group is one of the leading automotive companies in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry. Volkswagen has committed to an investment up to Euro 30 billion by 2023. It aims to sell 3 million electric vehicles by 2025 and launch up to 70 new EV models over the next 10 years.

With the launch of its electric vehicle ID. Family, VW is fast cementing a dominant position to become the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer by 2028, with the automotive behemoth planning to manufacturer 22 million electric vehicles. The automotive company currently has a number of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) on sale, to include:

• All-electric VW ID.3
• All-electric VW ID.4
• All-electric VW ID.4 GTX
• All-electric VW ID.5
• All-electric VW ID.5 GTX
• All-electric VW ID.7
• All-electric VW ID.Buzz
• All-electric VW e-up!
• VW Passat GTE Plug-In Hybrid Saloon
• VW Passat GTE Plug-In Hybrid Estate
• VW Touareg R Plug-In Hybrid
• VW Golf Plug-In Hybrid

There is no doubt, in that, the race for leadership in the all-electric SUV segment has been intense over the past 36 months. However, the all-electric saloon segment is also proving to be just as fierce, as global automotive manufactures (OEMs) vie for a share of the burgeoning executive/ family e-saloon class.

The all-electric ID.7 is aiming to do just that. The electric vehicle (EV) had its world premier simultaneously in Berlin and the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2023. The EV will replace the VW Passat (D-segment) and the VW Arteon, as the flagship executive car for the premium German brand. The electric car will be manufactured in both Germany (Volkswagen Emden plant) and China. The ID.7 EV is the sixth model in the ID. Family.

The electric Volkswagen ID.7 may not have an easy battle ahead, given the competition from OEMs like Tesla (Model 3), Hyundai (IONIQ 6), BYD (SEAL), Genesis (G80), Mercedes (EQE) and BMW (i4), but the VW ID.7 does have much to offer, for both families and company-car drivers seeking to migrate to zero-tailpipe emission saloon electric cars.

Despite the late entry, the ID.7 benefits from the cumulative learnings of previous VW ID.Family electric cars. It is not far-fetched to suggest that the ID.7 has the potential to be at the top of the class for the executive e-car segment.

The five-door VW ID.7 e-saloon offers more than adequate real-world practicality. In fact, the 5-seater EV is very spacious (wheelbase: 2.9m/ length: 4.9m)! But this should not come as a surprise as the ID.7 also uses the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) dedicated electric vehicle (EV) platform.

Among the many advantages of using an EV only platform is the ability to design and create a larger interior space, compared to a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) platform. The EV battery is placed on the floor of the vehicle, further enhancing the available interior space. The all-electric VW ID.4 also uses the MEB platform!

The ID.7 fastback design has also enabled a larger aperture opening for the boot. The large opening gives easy access to the generous 532 L boot (1,586 L with rear seats folded down). Moreover, there is also a small storage compartment below the boot floor, perfect for storing an EV cable.

In terms of headroom and legroom, despite the sweeping silhouette, there is ample headroom for taller adults seated in the rear. The only real criticism in terms of practicality is the lack of physical controls in the EV and the absence of a frunk (front storage compartment). Also worth noting is that the fastback stying does impact the rear visibility.

Volkswagen has been able to achieve a difficult balance between a futuristic, yet familiar looking electric vehicle (EV). The ID.7 exterior fastback styling is able to do just that, broadening the appeal to a wider audience, keen to embrace the future, without having to divorce the past.

Another advantage of the sloping roof is the improved aerodynamics and efficiency of the EV. The ID.7 has a drag coefficient of just 0.23 Cd. According to VW, it is the best drag coefficient of the entire Volkswagen ID. family. By way of comparison, the highly efficient all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 6 saloon has a 0.21 Cd drag coefficient.

In general, the lower the drag coefficient, the better for the efficiency of the EV in terms of electric range. Another way to improve the efficiency of the EV is to incorporate a heat pump.

The ID.7 EV will be available in two EV battery sizes, however for the launch edition, it is only available in the smaller EV battery size. Even though it is ‘smaller’, it is by no means small in terms of electric range. The entry-level 77 kWh high-voltage (350V) onboard EV battery can deliver up to 620 km (WLTP) on a full EV battery charge.

Even adjusting for real-world driving condition, the EV should be able to deliver over 525 km on a full charge. More than adequate from most day-to-day travel needs and also longer distance motorway driving.

The electric vehicle (EV) can be DC rapid charged up to 175 kW DC. The EV can achieve a 10%-80% charge in 28 minutes. Interestingly, some of the latest electric saloons from Chinese automotive manufacturers offer ultra-rapid DC charging capability up to 350 kW DC. The all-electric Genesis G80 saloon is a case in point. Having said that, 175 kWD DC is more than adequate for the ID.7!

The e-saloon incorporates as standard, a 11 kW (3-phase) AC onboard charger, which can fully charge (0%-100%) the EV in 8 hours. However, given that most homes in Ireland are restricted to single-phase (7 kW) power supply, taking advantage of three phase EV home charging will not be possible. Of course, for those with access to 3 phase AC charging at home or the workplace, it would be a good fit! Single-phase charging will take longer compared to 3-phase EV charging.

We at e-zoomed recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to EV charging. This way EV charging times are shorter and also better for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. VW offers a 8 years or 160,000 km EV battery warranty, similar to what most EV manufacturers offer. We also recommend using green energy for charging an electric car.

In terms of performance, the entry-level real-wheel drive (RWD) ID.7 can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds (max power: 286 PS/ 545 Nm torque). The top speed of the EV is 180 km/h. By way of comparison, the RWD all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 6 can achieve 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and the RWD BMW i5 can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds.

In due course, Volkswagen will also make available a higher performance all-wheel drive (AWD) ID.7 GTX variant. It is worth noting that despite the length of the ID.7, the EV has an excellent turning circle (10.9m).

The EV offers a host of technology, features and driving aids (as standard and optional). Some of these include: augmented reality head-up display, 15-inch navigation infotainment display, wireless smartphone charger, intelligent air vents, park assist plus, travel assist, adaptive lane guidance, predictive cruise control, cornering assistance, emergency assist, standard hazard alert, over-the-air updates, voice assistant, ErgoPremium seat with massage programmes, electrically dimmable panoramic roof, Interior Ambient lighting with 30 colour options and more!

Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The Volkswagen ID.7 electric saloon is not available in India.

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PROS	CONS
Good zero-emission pure electric range	Lack of physical controls
Aerodynamic and attractive fastback exterior styling	DC charging limited to 175 kW DC
Practical, spacious and comfortable	No frunk

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The All-Electric Volkswagen ID.7 Saloon (credit: VW)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Body Type:	Saloon (Fastback)
Engine:	Electric
Available In India:	No

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Variants (1 Option)
VW ID.7 (from ₹ N/A)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 77 kWh
Charging:	175 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 28 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 8 hrs)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	0g (CO2/km)
EV Battery Warranty:	8 years or 160,000 km

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1536
Width (mm):	1862
Length (mm):	4961
Wheelbase (mm):	2971
Turning Circle (m):	10.9
Boot Space (L):	532

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ID.7 Pro
EV Battery Capacity:	77 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	620 km
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	14.3
Charging:	175 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 28 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 8 hrs)
Top Speed:	180 km/h
0-100 km/h:	6.5 seconds
Drive:	Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Max Power (kW):	210
Max Power (PS):	286
Torque (Nm):	545
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight (kg):	2,172
Trailer load limit – Braked 12% incline (KG)	1,000
Colours:	5
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

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Air Quality: An Overview

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If there is one common theme that unites many of us, it is the concern over worsening air quality in our villages, towns and cities. This concern is not unique to India, rather a narrative that is now firmly centre stage globally. The detrimental health consequences of higher air pollution, in particular, on the vulnerable, like children and the elderly is significant, and well documented.

The WHO (World Health Organisation) has described air pollution as the ‘single biggest environmental health risk’, leading to an increase in the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases. Electric vehicles and in particular, zero-tailpipe emission EVs, also known as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), help improve local air quality i.e. a pure electric car does not have a tailpipe/ exhaust, hence, zero-tailpipe emissions!

Without an iota of doubt, all types of EVs, to include, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are better for improving air quality, compared to conventional petrol and diesel internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. We encourage all drivers in India to migrate to lower emission electric driving!

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Type Of Pollutants
Particulate matter (PM or PM 2.5)
Ammonia (NH3)
Nitrogen Oxide (NOx)
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
Non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCS)

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Primary Sources Of Pollutants
Road transportation
Industrial processes
Farming and agricultural processes
Waste industry
Energy generation
Domestic burning
Other forms of transportation, such as aviation, shipping and railroads

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While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

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