In many ways, the Volkswagen ID3 to the ID6 is about redemption. An attempt perhaps for VW to publically draw the line with dieselgate. Or maybe to enforce the narrative that VW is moving away from the combustion engine era to electric power. That is to say, the ID3 to the ID6 is the Anakin Skywalker of electric cars, the all-powerful Sith Lord who eventually found redemption after being electrocuted by his buddy Darth Sidious, AKA Chancellor Palpatine. The reveal of the Volkswagen ID AERO sedan is a twist to the story of redemption because it is the Chancellor Palpatine of electric cars.

The ID AERO is Order 66, the latter being the command to seek and destroy the Jedi order. And in many ways, the ID AERO will, eventually, seek and destroy the last of the VW internal combustion engine. However, because VW speaks out of both sides of their mouths, it is increasingly plausible that the end of the internal combustion engine will be extended, ban, or no ban.

Volkswagen is lobbying EU politicians behind the scenes to reverse the ban of diesel and petrol cars. And they will get their way. This is an example of Volkswagen speaking out of both sides of their mouths. On the one hand, VW cares about the environment, wants to reduce CO2 emissions, is big on sustainability, and wants to build a new generation of electric cars to put the badge of dirty-diesel dishonor behind them.

On the other hand, VW also wants to continue to build and sell internal combustion-engined powered vehicles, but they keep that message to themselves. Does this sound familiar? does this sound a lot like Chancellor Palpatine? It does. Remember Palapatine, AKA Darth Sidious, wanted to bring peace and prosperity to the Republic by destroying democracy. Palpatine was talking out of both sides of his mouth.

Another example of VW doing the Palpatine verbal shuffle is that the ID AERO is part of their ACCELRATE strategy. The latter meaning the ID AERO shows VW’s fast-paced commitment to building an electric car future now, not not 4 hours later or tomorrow but now. How can VW commit to building electric cars and a more sustainable future when they are actively lobbying the German government to pause the 2030 petrol/diesel car ban?

VW is doing the Palpatine.

So what do we know about the ID AERO? For now, it is officially revealed as a concept. The exterior is streamlined for low aerodynamic drag, hence the slippery-looking shape. In terms of design, the ID AERO Chancellor Palpatine Edition is cleanly executed and borrows styling cues from the Anakin SKywalker ID3-ID6. Apparently, it is as close to production as you see it.

Here’s the odd thing, VW says the ID AERO Chancellor Palpatine Edition is powered by a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which offers a range of 385 laboratory test miles. The Tesla Model S uses a 103 kWh battery pack and has a range of 405 miles. Tesla has far superior electric car technology compared to Volkswagen, how is ID AERO Chancellor Palpatine Edition getting close to the Tesla Model S range with a smaller battery pack?

Volkswagen is doing the Palpatine again that’s how.

Anyway, Volkswagen revealed a static display unit, the interior was completely closed off. The ID AERO Chancellor Palpatine Edition will be positioned as a flagship sedan without a price tag to match a Tesla Model S. In other words it will be a typical VW but with a questionable electric range.