The Volkswagen MEB eMotor 204 is a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor integrated into the rear axle of MEB-platform vehicles from 2020 onward. It delivers 150 kW (204 PS) and 310 Nm of torque through a single-speed reduction gearbox. Key technologies include hairpin winding for high power density and an oil-cooled stator enabling sustained performance without thermal throttling.
Fitted to models such as the ID.4, ID.5, and ID.7, the eMotor 204 was engineered for balanced efficiency, refinement, and all-electric range. Regenerative braking is seamlessly blended with friction braking via the electrohydraulic brake booster. Emissions compliance is inherent to its zero-tailpipe design, meeting EU CO₂ fleet targets under Regulation (EU) 2019/631.
One documented concern is inverter capacitor degradation under repeated high-load conditions, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Information Bulletin E‑HV‑2022‑09. This can manifest as reduced peak power or limp-home mode during aggressive acceleration or sustained hill climbs. Volkswagen updated inverter firmware and capacitor materials in late‑2023 production to mitigate this issue.
All MEB eMotor 204 units (2020–present) are zero‑tailpipe emission powertrains compliant with EU Regulation (EU) 2019/631 and VCA Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA #VCA/EV/2020/0876).
The Volkswagen MEB eMotor 204 is a 150 kW permanent-magnet synchronous motor engineered for compact and mid-size EVs (2020–present). It combines hairpin stator windings with direct oil cooling to deliver smooth, instant torque and extended range. Designed to meet EU CO₂ fleet mandates under Regulation (EU) 2019/631, it balances urban agility with motorway capability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | N/A (electric motor) | |
| Fuel type | Electric | |
| Configuration | Permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), rear-mounted | |
| Aspiration | N/A | |
| Bore × stroke | N/A | |
| Power output | 150 kW (204 PS) | |
| Torque | 310 Nm (continuous), 310 Nm @ 0–6,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | N/A | |
| Emissions standard | Zero tailpipe emissions; complies with EU CO₂ fleet regulation (EU) 2019/631 | |
| Compression ratio | N/A | |
| Cooling system | Oil-cooled stator, water-cooled inverter | |
| Turbocharger | N/A | |
| Timing system | N/A | |
| Oil type | G 052 195 A2 (MEB eDrive gear oil) | |
| Dry weight | 90 kg (motor + gearbox assembly) |
The eMotor 204 provides instant torque and near-silent operation but requires adherence to 30,000 km gearbox oil change intervals using G 052 195 A2 fluid to prevent bearing wear. The oil-cooled stator design minimizes thermal derating, yet repeated high-load use (e.g., mountain towing) may stress inverter capacitors—addressed in late-2023 builds via SIB E‑HV‑2022‑09. Regenerative braking reduces pad wear but demands periodic brake fluid replacement per standard VW intervals. No timing or exhaust maintenance is needed, but high-voltage safety protocols must be followed during service.
Oil Specs: Requires G 052 195 A2 eDrive gear oil (Volkswagen TIS Doc. E‑HV‑305). Not interchangeable with conventional ATF or manual transmission fluids.
Emissions: Zero tailpipe emissions; full compliance with EU Regulation (EU) 2019/631 confirmed via VCA WVTA #VCA/EV/2020/0876.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85. Peak output sustained for 30 seconds under thermal limits (Volkswagen TIS Doc. E‑HV‑101).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs E‑HV‑101, E‑HV‑305, SIB E‑HV‑2022‑09
VCA Whole Vehicle Type Approval Database (VCA/EV/2020/0876)
EU Regulation (EU) 2019/631 on CO₂ emission performance standards
The Volkswagen MEB eMotor 204 was used across Volkswagen's MEB platform with rear-wheel-drive layout and shared with Škoda and Audi under the Volkswagen Group EV strategy. This motor powers base and mid-trim variants with platform-specific inverter calibrations—and from late 2023 received capacitor and firmware updates to enhance durability, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the eMotor identification plate on the rear housing near the high-voltage connector (Volkswagen TIS E‑HV‑101). The 8th VIN digit indicates drivetrain: 'E' for rear eMotor 204. Pre-late-2023 units use inverter part number 1K0 919 601 A; post-update units use 1K0 919 601 B with revised capacitor layout. Visual cue: updated inverter housings have a silver QR-code label near the coolant inlet. Service parts require production date verification—gearbox oil and inverter modules are not interchangeable across update boundaries per SIB E‑HV‑2022‑09.
The MEB eMotor 204's primary reliability risk is inverter capacitor degradation under sustained high-load conditions, with elevated incidence in mountainous or towing use. Volkswagen internal field data from 2022 indicated a measurable uptick in inverter-related limp-home events in pre-late-2023 builds before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records show minimal MOT failures due to the absence of emissions hardware. Thermal stress cycles make capacitor quality and software calibration critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2020-2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN MEB-EMOTOR-204.
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