Volkswagen's electric Crozz SUV gets closer to reality

Automakers are trying to get their EVs to break into the growing SUV market.

Roberto Baldwin / Engadget

Volkswagen continues to push its electric road map. At the Frankfurt auto show, it dropped a newer version of the pure electric ID Crozz Crossover. Initially unveiled in Shanghai, the crossover is the third vehicle with the ID brand, along with the microbus Buzz and the four-door ID. All three vehicles will be built on the company's upcoming Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB).

The Crozz is rumored to be the first of the ID vehicles to be offered for sale on the US market. Meanwhile, the four-door ID car should be the first to hit production for sale internationally. It's a smart move by the automaker, considering that the SUV/crossover market in the United States continues to grow while regular passenger vehicle sales are flat or falling.

The all-wheel-drive vehicle (via two electric motors) will have a range of 311 miles and output 302 horsepower. It's also expected to be able to charge to 80 percent in 30 minutes via a 150kW DC fast charger. Still not as quick as a gas-powered car, but automakers are getting closer to making road trips without long pit stops a reality.

While the Buzz is getting all the... well, you know... for bringing the microbus back to the market, America's love affair with crossovers and SUVs means you're probably going to see more Crozzes on the road than retro buses.