Top 4 Things to Know About the Volkswagen Travel Concept

How the Volkswagen Gen.Travel Will Serve as an Alternative to Short-Haul Flights

Out of all the industries that pertain to travel, airlines statistically rack up some of the most complaints. The main problems pertain to high airfare, late flights, and flights that are outright canceled without an option to rebook. These problems only seem to compound around Thanksgiving and Christmas when there is an influx of travel.

Last year during the holidays, some airlines demonstrated just how ill-prepared they were to deal with high volumes of travelers, which resulted in a record number of cancellations and stranded passengers at airports in 2022. This has been an ongoing problem, and yet travelers continue to risk it because airlines are the fastest way to get from point A to point B, especially for long distances.

For short distances less than three hours in the air – referred to in the industry as short-haul flights – the option to drive may still be on the table for some folks. Southwest Airlines estimates a flight from Kansas City to St. Louis takes approximately one hour. However, when factoring early arrival for check-in, the boarding process, potential delays, and claiming luggage (if applicable), it will take significantly longer – so much longer, in fact, that perhaps driving takes the same amount of time.

Keeping that in mind, the Volkswagen Gen.Travel concept aims to be the alternative to short-haul flights. The following are the top four things you should know about this vehicle and Volkswagen’s continual innovations.

#1 – It’s One of the Most Advanced New Volkswagen Cars to Ever Be Assembled

Originally unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2021, the Gen.Travel features a futuristic design that uses the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform. It’s the same platform used for the award-winning all-electric VW ID.4.

It features two electric motors that yield 302 horsepower and a driving range up to 300 miles on a single charge (during ideal conditions), according to reporting from Autoweek. What really puts the Volkswagen Gen.Travel head and shoulders above other new Volkswagen cars is that it uses Level 5 autonomous driving technology, the most advanced self-driving technology of its kind.

#2 – The Volkswagen Gen.Travel is Perfect for Rest or Work

The Gen.Travel seats a maximum of four people and features tabletop surfaces that will hold everyone’s laptops with room to spare for snacks and beverages. Additionally, it’s whisper quiet, which means travelers won’t have to talk over an airplane engine or other nearby passengers.

For those who want to catch some sleep while en route to their destination, the two front seats of the VW Gen.Travel lean all the way back, making for a comfy travel bed. It’s also worth noting the windows of the Gen.Travel can be dimmed down for a better sleeping environment.

For those super long road trips where recharging is necessary, the Gen.Travel will find the nearest charging station and do it on its own. No human intervention is required.

#3 – VW is Aiming for the Gen.Travel to Replace Short Haul Flights

Circling back to the Kansas City to St. Louis trip, the Volkswagen Gen.Travel can accomplish that in less than four hours – the same as if a human being were behind the wheel. The difference is travelers will now be able to relax within the spacious interior of a hyper-quiet electric vehicle for the duration of the trip.

The trip may take slightly longer than total flight and airport waiting times, but it will be less expensive, totally private, and within an environment passengers have control over. No crying babies. No turbulence or cabin pressure. No more trying to sleep while sitting upright. Comfort may very well win over speed for some travelers. That’s what VW is banking on.

#4 – The Gen.Travel is Part of the Overall Sustainability Plan for All Volkswagen Vehicles

The goal for Volkswagen is to become a carbon neutral company by 2050. In the United States, the first step toward this was the release of the all-electric VW ID.4, which was originally released in 2020. In addition to this electric SUV, VW has plans to release an electric microbus, an electric sedan, and another round of electric SUVs. However, the VW Gen.Travel concept is the only part of their eco-friendly plan to use self-driving cars.

It’s worth noting the Volkswagen Gen.Travel concept won’t be a reality for some time. Additional testing needs to be done before it’s ready for consumers. It is expected a production-ready model may debut at an auto show in the near future – perhaps as soon as this year or in 2024.

Where to Learn More About Eco-Friendly Vehicles from Volkswagen

Those who wish to learn more about the lineup of electric vehicles from VW are encouraged to check out the Volkswagen ID.4. Although there are more eco-friendly vehicles on the way, the VW ID.4 is the only one currently available in the United States. The 2023 model of the vehicle was recently released, so those who are interested in seeing it in person are encouraged to reach out to their local Volkswagen dealership.

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