Volkswagen Group is doubling down on its mission to democratize electric mobility by unveiling ambitious plans for affordable electric vehicles (EVs).
Thomas Schäfer, the head of VW’s namesake brand, recently announced during a press conference that the company is gearing up to launch the ID.1, set to hit the market in 2027 with a price tag below 20,000 euros.
Positioned as a successor to the current e-Up electric hatchback, the ID.1 will target the minicar segment, offering consumers an enticing blend of cost-effective electrification and modern design. With four potential designs in the pipeline, VW is poised to select the winning concept in the coming weeks, paving the way for further development.
In a strategic move to optimize development costs, VW is exploring potential partnerships with fellow VW Group brand Skoda, with whom they are already collaborating on affordable EVs for the Indian market.
VW is considering teaming up with Renault, which is charting its course in the electric minicar space with plans to introduce an electric successor to its iconic Twingo hatchback.
The possibility of a joint platform development, as hinted by earlier reports, underscores VW’s commitment to achieving economies of scale and driving down the cost of EV production.
But that’s not all on VW’s electric roadmap. Before the ID.1’s debut, VW will introduce the ID.2 subcompact hatch around 2026, potentially carrying the Polo moniker.
Previewed by the ID.2all concept last year, this model aims to offer affordable electric mobility to a broader audience, priced below 25,000 euros.
The competitive pricing strategy aligns with Tesla’s ambitions to introduce its affordable EV in the same price range by 2025, reflecting the broader industry trend towards making electric mobility accessible to all.
With Volkswagen’s steadfast commitment to innovation and collaboration, the future of affordable electric transportation looks brighter than ever.