Volkswagen has developed a new electric motor for its ID models that produces more power and is more efficient.

Set to launch towards the end of 2023, the motor will be available in rear-wheel-drive models based on the company's MEB platform like the ID 3 and ID 4.

It promises a boost in performance, with a maximum power output of 286PS and 550Nm. VW's most powerful single-motor models currently produce 200PS, while the Cupra Born squeezes 230PS from the same powertrain.

The new motor develops almost as much power as VW's current twin-motor models, which have up to 300PS.

Karsten Bennewitz, head of powertrain and energy systems in development, said: “Because the available space has not changed, we were compelled to develop a new drive that achieves significant improvements in performance and efficiency in spite of being subject to the same constraints. That was a great challenge for the team of Technical Development and Group Components. The result shows that we were able to reduce the use of raw materials, while at the same time achieving a considerable increase in vehicle efficiency.”

In order to increase the efficiency of the powertain, VW optimised a number of components, including the thermal management system. The new drive unit has an energy-saving cooling system that operates without an electrically driven oil pump. The system is able to independently cool itself via the gear wheels of the gearbox and specially formed components for oil supply and distribution. The heated oil is cooled by the vehicle’s coolant circuit, which keeps the drive at operating temperature. The outside of the stator is equipped with a water heat sink.

VW is planning to deliver the first vehicles using the new powertrain by the end of the year.