Volkswagen EV drivers in Europe will soon have the exciting opportunity to play video games while they charge their vehicles. The automaker has announced that it will be adding the AirConsole gaming platform to certain models in select European countries, with plans to expand availability to more countries by the end of 2024 or early 2025. Unfortunately, there has been no discussion of U.S. availability at this time.
### AirConsole Gaming Platform
AirConsole, which is already available in the BMW i5, will run as an app on the vehicle’s infotainment system and will require users to use their smartphones as controllers. Drivers will need to park their vehicles in order to access this feature, which will include both single-player and multiplayer gaming options.
### 2025 Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer
The gaming feature will initially launch on the VW ID.7 Tourer, which is the wagon version of the ID.7 hatchback. While the hatchback version of the ID.7 was originally intended for the U.S. market, its release has been delayed and a new timeline has not been set. Along with the ID.7, VW plans to offer in-vehicle gaming on other EV models such as the ID.5, ID.4, and ID.3, as well as the internal-combustion Golf, Passat, and Tiguan.
### In-Vehicle Gaming Options
VW has not mentioned any plans to offer AirConsole gaming in the ID.Buzz electric van, which is set to reach U.S. dealers later this year. This vehicle, which is priced starting at $61,545 and has up to 234 miles of EPA range, is exclusively offered as a 3-row passenger van in the U.S. and could potentially be a great candidate for built-in gaming.
### Future Expansion and Features
Volkswagen’s introduction of in-vehicle gaming is just the beginning, as the automaker plans to expand this feature to more models and countries in the coming years. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative and interactive features added to EVs to enhance the overall driving experience.
### Conclusion
In conclusion, Volkswagen’s decision to offer in-vehicle gaming on their EV models is a creative and forward-thinking move that highlights the potential for EVs to be more than just transportation vehicles. The addition of the AirConsole gaming platform will provide drivers with a fun and entertaining way to pass the time while they charge their vehicles, making the overall driving experience even more enjoyable. As VW continues to expand this feature to more models and countries, we can look forward to seeing how in-vehicle entertainment options will evolve in the future.