Electric Car Future

Electric Visions

Volkswagen has rolled out the red carpet for a trio of electrifying new concepts at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, positioning itself on the cutting edge of the automotive future. These concept cars—dubbed the ID. Aura, ID. Evo, and ID. Era—are more than just design exercises. They’re a preview of what’s about to hit the streets through Volkswagen’s partnerships with Chinese companies.

Concept Cars

ID. Aura

The ID. Aura sedan, born from the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture, sits on Volkswagen’s Compact Main Platform. Unlike its predecessors, the ID.7 Next and ID.7 Vizzion, the Aura sports a sleek, sculpted body with LED lighting that wraps from front to back. Inside, it’s all about sleek tech: think of a user interface as intuitive as a smartphone, alongside an AI assistant ready to cater to all gimmicky needs.

ID. Evo

Coming from Volkswagen Anhui, the ID. Evo SUV is tailored for a crowd that prioritizes style and tech. Its aggressive design hints at something familiar yet futuristic, drawing comparisons to a next-gen VW Tiguan. It sits on an 800-volt architecture, entirely electric, and promises to keep up with the times thanks to wireless updates for its tech suite.

ID. Era

The ID. Era, crafted with SAIC, is the vision for a big, bold three-row SUV boasting a range-extender powertrain. Its exterior emphasizes function and form; think upright front, split LED headlights, and a boxy rear design with an integrated diffuser. Volkswagen promises a mix of battery and range-extender capabilities giving you up to 621 miles of driving pleasure.

Market Strategy

Volkswagen is diving head-first into China’s market with over 30 new models, including 20 new-energy vehicles. Each is tailored for the local culture and demands, a strategy referred to as “In China, for China.” Tom Schafer, the brand’s CEO, highlighted the company’s commitment to maintaining its leadership position among foreign brands in China.

Driving Experience

In terms of how these cars drive, expect that smooth, almost silent electric acceleration. Each concept likely has a unique edge; the ID. Aura should feel agile around town with its sedan dynamics, while the ID. Evo offers the kind of high hip-point driving position that SUV lovers crave. The ID. Era, with its extended range, promises a steady, long-haul comfort that’s perfect for family road trips or long commutes. Stack these driving experiences against more traditional models, and there’s a clear lean toward a tech-rich future that feels less like driving and more like gliding.

Thomas Ulbrich, CEO of Volkswagen’s China Technology Center, is optimistic about getting these models into production within a scant 34-month timeframe, advocating for speed and precision to hit the right market notes in China.