Volkswagen explores more potential of MEB, ID.3 is expected to launch convertible version

As its ID.4 crossover enters the U.S. market, Volkswagen is also considering tapping into the potential of its MEB electric vehicle architecture with a new convertible electric vehicle, which will be a convertible version of the ID.3 hatchback that went on sale in Europe last year.

The MEB electric vehicle architecture has been the focus of Volkswagen Group's development in the past few years. This modular vehicle platform is designed to support electric models of its various brands. Currently, several concept cars using this platform have been announced, but the ID.3 hatchback is the first mass-produced model.

The Volkswagen ID.3 Convertible is based on this car and has two doors and seating for five, and today Volkswagen released a concept sketch.

In fact, this is not the first time that Volkswagen has tried more applications on the MEB platform. In early 2019, Volkswagen showed an electric concept dune buggy called ID.BUGGY, which had no roof and could be washed inside. Volkswagen had planned to put it into production, but the plan was eventually shelved.

At present, this convertible will obviously be more mainstream than the previous dune buggy, but Volkswagen Passenger Cars CEO Ralf Brandstatter said that these sketches are still in the idea stage and may not enter the production stage.

What’s noteworthy is the way VW unveiled the convertible itself. In the past, the automaker has tended to be tight-lipped about new designs, with concept cars regularly unveiled at auto shows first, but this time VW executives have been more vocal about the convertible, with VW Group CEO Herbert Diess also weighing in on the possibility of an electric convertible on Twitter.

This way of opening dialogues with netizens and consumers has always been a favorite method of Tesla, and Elon Musk has always been a cheerleader for the brand and voiced new ideas on the Internet. Although Musk's strategy has not been smooth sailing, it has indeed gained a large number of loyal followers.

As MEB enters the dealership market, Volkswagen Group’s top management also seems to be considering more possibilities for platforms and design production processes.

As a winner of Toutiao's Qingyun Plan and Baijiahao's Bai+ Plan, the 2019 Baidu Digital Author of the Year, the Baijiahao's Most Popular Author in the Technology Field, the 2019 Sogou Technology and Culture Author, and the 2021 Baijiahao Quarterly Influential Creator, he has won many awards, including the 2013 Sohu Best Industry Media Person, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Beijing Third Place, the 2015 Guangmang Experience Award, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Finals Third Place, and the 2018 Baidu Dynamic Annual Powerful Celebrity.