2025 Auto Shanghai: Volkswagen Expands EV Strategy in China with Trio of New Concept Cars

Volkswagen has taken a significant step forward in its China-focused electric vehicle strategy by unveiling three new concept vehicles at 2025 Auto Shanghai. Developed in collaboration with its Chinese joint venture partners, the ID. Aura (FAW-Volkswagen), ID. Era (SAIC Volkswagen), and ID. Evo (Volkswagen Anhui) mark the next phase in the company’s “In China, for China” initiative. 

The reveal comes on the heels of the 2023 debut of the ID. Code concept, which established the design and innovation blueprint for Volkswagen's next generation of smart electric vehicles in China. The latest concepts represent both technological progress and tailored market strategy as Volkswagen prepares to launch over 30 new models—including 20 new energy vehicles (NEVs)—in China by 2027.

The three concept vehicles are designed to meet diverse consumer needs in the rapidly evolving Chinese market, and each model offers distinct technological and design elements. All three are NEVs, a classification in China that includes both fully electric vehicles and those with hybrid or range extender technologies.

The ID. Era, built by SAIC Volkswagen, is a full-size SUV equipped with range extender technology. The model includes a fuel-powered generator that charges the battery while driving, enabling an extended range of over 1,000 km. This figure includes approximately 300 km of pure battery-powered range, making it a compelling option for long-distance travel without the need for frequent charging.

The ID. Evo, developed by Volkswagen Anhui, targets younger, style-conscious buyers. Positioned within Volkswagen’s ID. Unyx family, it is the brand’s first all-electric full-size SUV built on an 800-volt platform. The ID. Evo introduces a zonal electronic architecture that supports advanced digital services and enables regular over-the-air software updates, further enhancing user experience over time. 

The ID. Aura, from FAW-Volkswagen, is an electric notchback designed on Volkswagen’s new Compact Main Platform (CMP)—an architecture developed specifically for China. This model is aimed at the cost-sensitive A-segment. It features an AI-driven system for highly automated driving, a smartphone-like user interface in the centre console, and an AI-powered humanoid assistant to manage vehicle and infotainment functions. 

Volkswagen’s latest unveiling underscores its strategic pivot to localize both product development and technological innovation in China. The automaker is leveraging its joint venture network and new development centre in Hefei to accelerate model rollouts. According to Volkswagen, future vehicles will be developed within a 34-month timeframe—significantly faster than previous cycles.