The Volkswagen MEB eMotor 250 is a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor integrated into the rear axle of MEB-platform vehicles, produced from 2020 onward. It delivers 150 kW (204 PS) and 310 Nm of torque via a single-speed reduction gearbox. Key technologies include hairpin winding for thermal efficiency and an oil-cooled stator, enabling consistent performance during repeated acceleration cycles.
Fitted to models such as the ID.3, ID.4, and ID.5, the MEB eMotor 250 was engineered for responsive urban mobility and relaxed motorway cruising. Emissions compliance is inherent to its zero-tailpipe design, meeting EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 as a Category M1 zero-emission powertrain. Regenerative braking contributes up to 0.25 g of deceleration, enhancing real-world range.
One documented concern is inverter capacitor degradation under sustained high-load conditions, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Information Bulletin EL 08 22. This issue stems from thermal stress on DC-link capacitors during repeated fast charging and high-speed driving. From 2023, Volkswagen introduced updated inverter hardware with improved thermal management per engineering change notice E‑MEB‑INV‑2023.
All production years (2020–present) meet EU zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) classification under VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/ZEV/5678.
The Volkswagen MEB eMotor 250 is a 150 kW permanent-magnet synchronous motor engineered for compact and mid-size EVs (2020–present). It combines hairpin stator winding with direct oil cooling to deliver smooth, instant torque and efficient thermal management. Designed to meet EU zero-emission standards, it enables up to 550 km WLTP range depending on vehicle configuration.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | N/A (electric motor) | |
| Fuel type | Electric | |
| Configuration | Permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), 3-phase | |
| Aspiration | N/A | |
| Bore × stroke | N/A | |
| Power output | 150 kW (204 PS) | |
| Torque | 310 Nm @ 0–6,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | N/A | |
| Emissions standard | Zero tailpipe emissions (EU ZEV compliant) | |
| Compression ratio | N/A | |
| Cooling system | Oil-cooled stator, water-cooled inverter | |
| Turbocharger | N/A | |
| Timing system | N/A | |
| Oil type | MEB eDrive Gear Oil (G 060 171 A2) | |
| Dry weight | 90 kg (motor + gearbox) |
The oil-cooled PMSM delivers linear torque ideal for city and highway use but requires adherence to 30,000 km gearbox oil change intervals to maintain bearing and gear longevity. Use only OEM-specified G 060 171 A2 fluid due to its dielectric properties and compatibility with internal seals. Avoid repeated DC fast charging above 80% state-of-charge to reduce inverter thermal stress. Vehicles produced before Q2 2023 should be inspected for inverter capacitor wear per SIB EL 08 22. Regenerative braking calibration must be reset after 12V battery replacement to restore full recuperation.
Oil Specs: Requires MEB eDrive Gear Oil G 060 171 A2 (Volkswagen SIB EL 08 22). Not interchangeable with conventional ATF or manual transmission fluids.
Emissions: Zero tailpipe emissions certified under EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/ZEV/5678). Applies to all model years.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85. Peak output sustained for 30 seconds; continuous rating is 90 kW (Volkswagen TIS Doc. E-MEB-2020).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs E-MEB-2020, E-MEB-INV-2023
Volkswagen Service Information Bulletin EL 08 22
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/ZEV/5678)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 on type approval of motor vehicles
The Volkswagen MEB eMotor 250 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 received platform-specific adaptations—revised gearbox ratios in the ID.4 GTX and enhanced inverter cooling in the ID.5—and from 2023 the updated inverter hardware (E‑MEB‑INV‑2023) created service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the motor code on the aluminium housing near the high-voltage connector (Volkswagen TIS E-MEB-2020). The 7th VIN digit indicates drivetrain: 'E' for single-motor RWD. Pre-2023 units use inverter part number 1K0 919 601 A; post-2023 use 1K0 919 601 B with improved capacitors. Critical differentiation from MEB eMotor 150: eMotor 250 has larger stator laminations and dual coolant ports on the inverter. Gearbox oil fill plug requires 12-point 17 mm socket; do not confuse with 12V auxiliary unit.
The MEB eMotor 250's primary reliability risk is inverter capacitor degradation under high thermal load, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent DC fast charging and motorway driving. Volkswagen internal field data from 2023 indicated a measurable rise in inverter-related DTCs in pre-2023 builds before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA EV safety inspections flagged cooling circuit leaks in 2% of early ID.4s. Thermal management discipline and fluid integrity make preventive maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2020-2024) and UK DVSA EV inspection statistics (2022-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN MEB-EMOTOR-250.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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