olkswagen is preparing to launch its smallest and cheapest electric car, expected to be named the ID 1, starting at about $20,000 (currently about RMB 138,000), which is expected to hit the market in 2027 and will be positioned lower than the recently released ID 2all concept car.
After unveiling its least expensive electric car to date on Wednesday — the ID 2all concept with a range of nearly 300 miles (about 482.8 kilometers) — Volkswagen has another surprise in store. Volkswagen Passenger Cars CEO Thomas Schaefer said the ID 2all “shows where we want to take the brand” and draws inspiration from classics like the Beetle and Golf. It will be based on the automaker’s new MEB entry-level platform and start at less than $27,000 (currently about RMB 186,000).
However, Volkswagen latest project — dubbed the ID 1 — will be even cheaper, starting at around $20,000. According to Autocar, the ID 1 will be the smallest and cheapest electric car from the Volkswagen brand to date, positioned below the ID 2all, and is expected to be one of 10 electric cars the automaker will launch in the next three years. The Polo is very successful and one of our representative models, and in the future we will use this model concept as well.” At the same time, the Volkswagen leader mentioned that he was not sure if the same name would be used, as in the case of the Volkswagen Golf and ID 2. The low-cost electric car will be built on a new, unknown platform developed by the Volkswagen Group and led by Skoda.
In addition, Volkswagen initially wanted the ID 2all to start selling for less than $21,000, but has since adjusted its goal to $27,000. While Schaefer acknowledged that “it’s not easy to sell a profitable electric car at that price,” he said Volkswagen has several teams working to reduce costs.
The report notes that Volkswagen’s ID 1 (or ID Polo) economy EV will likely share some components with the ID 2all concept, such as the 231BHP front motor and 38kWh or 58kWh battery.
