volkswagen debuts its all-electric, autonomous GEN.TRAVEL

gen.travel by volkswagen group: unveiling future mobility

On September 24, 2022, at Chantilly Arts & Elegance near Paris, the Volkswagen Group presented an innovative design study that will redefine the long-distance mobility of tomorrow. Dubbed GEN.TRAVEL, the all-electric powered Innovation Experience Vehicle (IEV) is an actual prototype that drives autonomously (Level 5) and gives a realistic outlook for what’s to come in the next decade. For one, the car’s modular interior concept makes it a flexible and sustainable Mobility-as-a-Service alternative to short-haul flights.

With this proposed model, the company has developed an entirely new vehicle category in the premium portfolio between sedan and MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle). ‘With its NEW AUTO strategy, Volkswagen defines the mobility for generations to come – sustainable and digital,’ comments Dr. Nikolai Ardey, Head of Volkswagen Group Innovation. ‘In the group-wide Volkswagen Innovation Research department, we are further advancing this idea, showing how our customers will be able to experience mobility in the future – for example, as a service. With GEN.TRAVEL, we can already experience today what will be possible in the near future with innovative technology. Door-to-door travel at a new level. Emission-free and stress-free.’

all images © Volkswagen AG

fully autonomous with stress-free services

The GEN.TRAVEL drives autonomously and turns the driver into a relaxed passenger. Klaus Zyciora, Head of Volkswagen Group Design, explains: ‘The GEN.TRAVEL […] shows us what autonomous driving will look like in the future. […] Efficient shaping characterizes the extremely distinctive design. Thus, in an age of technical perfection and virtually unlimited possibilities, ‘form follows function’ becomes ‘form follows freedom.’ The automobile will not only be better, but also more exciting than ever before.’

A unique, modular interior concept defines the electric car; it can be customized for each journey and booked as a Mobility-as-a-Service offering. Depending on the configuration, up to four people can be transported; this is particularly ideal for business trips, providing a conference setup with comfortable seats and a large table in the middle. A dynamic lighting feature also creates a pleasant working environment and avoids the danger of kinetosis (motion sickness). Meanwhile, an overnight-setup design helps convert two seats into two beds, each folding out to a full-flat position. The company also integrated an innovative passenger restraint system to ensure maximum safety even in a lying position.

introducing an Innovation Experience Vehicle (IEV)

To guarantee optimal wellbeing, the GEN.TRAVEL lighting system influences melatonin production, thus helping passengers fall asleep and wake up naturally. For family trips, the front seats can be configured to entertain children using augmented reality (AR), and all HMI (human-machine interface) elements are produced using sustainable materials combined with recycled or natural features.

Moving on to its exterior, the vehicle reveals two distinct parts: A transparent, glass cabin perfectly incorporated into the lower section housing all the technical features. In addition, the edge of the window is at waist level to maximize outside views without triggering disturbance from external influences when passengers are lying flat. Last but not least, the dramatic wing doors of the GEN.TRAVEL facilitate better entry and exit.

wing doors facilitate better entry and exit

For maximum comfort, the GEN.TRAVEL is fitted with the active suspension eABC (electric Active Body Control) that calculates vertical and lateral movements such as acceleration, braking, or cornering ahead of time, and optimizes the driving style and trajectory accordingly. Finally, artificial intelligence (AI) and platooning – fully autonomous driving in convoys – are used to further increase the range for long-distance journeys.