Summary
- Volkswagen EV drivers in Europe can play video games while charging with AirConsole gaming platform
- Gaming feature currently available on VW ID.7 Tourer in some European countries, with plans to expand to more by end of 2024 or early 2025
- AirConsole runs on infotainment systems as an app, with smartphone controllers, and requires vehicles to be in park
- In-vehicle gaming also planned for ID.5, ID.4, and ID.3 EVs, as well as internal-combustion Golf, Passat, and Tiguan
- No mention of offering AirConsole gaming in the ID.Buzz electric van, scheduled to reach U.S. later this year as a passenger van only.
Article
In exciting news for Volkswagen electric vehicle drivers in Europe, the automaker has announced that it will be adding the AirConsole gaming platform to certain models starting in mid September. This feature will allow drivers to play video games while they charge their vehicles, providing a fun and entertaining way to pass the time. The AirConsole app runs on the vehicle’s infotainment system, with users using their smartphones as controllers. The feature includes both single-player and multiplayer options, adding a social aspect to the gaming experience.
The gaming feature will initially launch on the VW ID.7 Tourer, the wagon version of the ID.7 hatchback. While the hatchback version was initially intended for the U.S. market, the Tourer model was not. Unfortunately, VW has delayed the release of the U.S.-market ID.7 and has not provided a new timeline for its arrival. In addition to the ID.7, VW plans to offer in-vehicle gaming on other EV models such as the ID.5, ID.4, and ID.3. The gaming feature will also be available on internal-combustion models such as the Golf, Passat, and Tiguan, providing a wide range of vehicles for players to enjoy.
The AirConsole gaming platform has already been made available in the BMW i5 and has received positive feedback from users. Volkswagen plans to expand availability to more European countries by the end of 2024 or early 2025, but has not discussed potential availability in the U.S. While VW has not mentioned plans to offer in-vehicle gaming on the ID.Buzz electric van, the van is set to reach the U.S. market later this year. With a base price of $61,545 and an EPA range of up to 234 miles, the ID.Buzz may be a good candidate for built-in gaming, as it is sold exclusively as a three-row passenger van in the U.S.
Overall, the addition of the AirConsole gaming platform to Volkswagen EV models in Europe will provide drivers with a fun and interactive way to pass the time while they charge their vehicles. The feature adds an element of entertainment to the driving experience, allowing users to enjoy single-player or multiplayer games with friends and family. While the ID.7 Tourer will be the first model to launch with in-vehicle gaming, VW plans to expand this feature to other EV models as well as internal-combustion vehicles. It remains to be seen if this feature will be made available in the U.S., as VW has not yet provided details on potential availability in this market.
In conclusion, the integration of the AirConsole gaming platform in Volkswagen EVs represents the automaker’s commitment to providing innovative and engaging features for its customers. With the rise of electric vehicles and the increasing demand for in-car entertainment options, this move by Volkswagen is a step towards creating a more enjoyable driving experience. As the technology continues to evolve, we may see more automakers following suit and offering similar gaming features in their vehicles. Volkswagen’s decision to add in-vehicle gaming to its lineup of EVs is sure to be welcomed by drivers looking for new ways to stay entertained on the road.
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