News

Mar 06, 2025

VW’s €20,000 mini-EV highlights push to cover every volume segment

Volkswagen brand unveiled its vision of a low-cost electric minicar as part of its intention to offer the widest electric and combustion-engine range of any volume automaker in Europe, The production

Volkswagen brand unveiled its vision of a low-cost electric minicar as part of its intention to offer the widest electric and combustion-engine range of any volume automaker in Europe,

The production version of the ID Every1 will start at about €20,000 ($21,000) when it arrives in 2027. It will compete against new, affordable EVs from Chinese brands such as Leapmotor and BYD and traditional rivals including Renault.

The production ID Every1, which is expected to be called the ID1, will be the entry-level model in VW brand’s ID-badged range of battery-electric cars.

“The ID Every 1 represents the last piece of the puzzle on our way to the widest model selection in the volume segment,” VW brand boss Thomas Schaefer said during the concept’s unveiling March 5.

The production car will use the same front-drive MEB platform as the larger ID2 EV, which arrives first in 2026 and will start at about €25,000 ($27,000).

VW has said it would launch nine new models by 2027, four of which will be part of the Electric Urban Car Family that will include the ID1, the ID2 and a small crossover previewed by the 2023 ID2all concept.

Sign up for the Automotive News Europe Segment Analysis newsletter, a monthly in-depth look at a segment of the car market, including sales and market share data

VW didn’t give an indication of where the ID1 will be built, or any technical details including targets for electric range.

The ID1 concept features large wheels, chunky wheel arches and a “floating” roof to give the car a look that’s “self-assured but likable,” said VW brand’s design boss Andreas Mindt.

The production model will give VW a crucial competitor in the low-cost EV segment to help it fight the threat from Chinese automakers and faster-moving traditional rivals such as Stellantis, Hyundai and Renault.

Among its competitors will be the Dacia Spring, the Leapmotor T03, the Hyundai Inster and the BYD Seagull. Other upcoming electric minicars include the new Renault Twingo and an expected electric replacement for the Fiat Panda.

The ID1 will return VW to the minicar segment five years after vacating when the brand stopped production of the Up minicar’s combustion engine and full-electric versions.

The ID Every1 concept is 3,880 mm (153 inches) long, slightly longer than the 3,600-mm Up, slotting it below the ID2all, which is 4,050 mm long.

VW said the ID1 will comfortably seat four people with space for luggage in the 305-liter trunk.

The car will have what VW calls a “fundamentally new” powerful software architecture that will allow the company to update it with new functions throughout its life cycle.

VW didn’t give more detail, but current VWs use the MIB4 (modular infotainment matrix 4th generation) digital architecture for new models including the Golf and Tiguan with ChatGPT-enhanced voice control.

The ID Every1 concept’s interior has a large central digital touchscreen with a much smaller information display in front of the driver. The design includes a row of physical controls under the screen for the temperature control, seat heating and sound volume in a shift away from its previous focus on screen control. There are more buttons on the square-shaped steering wheel.

Innovative features in the cabin include a central console that slides on a rail VW described as a “multifunctional tool,” borrowing an idea from the much larger ID Buzz electric minivan.

The ID Every1 concept’s exterior borrows elements from classic VWs, including the straight bottom window line and darkened grille bar between the front headlights, both of which featured on the first-generation Golf.

“The lack of trend-based effects means the ID Every1 will remain modern for many years and thus timeless,” VW said in a statement.

Mindt said the designers wanted to give the car a “stable” planted stance with wide wheel arches and the resulting squeeze in the middle of the body.

The “likable” element comes partly from the “pupil” effect of the front headlights, he said.

The ID1 was developed by Volkswagen Group’s Core Brand Group that includes Skoda, Seat and Cupra.

Versions of the ID1 are expected to be rolled out by the other group volume brands. The ID2 hatchback and SUV are being developed alongside a model each for Skoda and Cupra.