Volkswagen Confirms €20,000 Price for Affordable EV Set to Launch in 2027

New Entry-Level Electric City Car Announced

Volkswagen has officially announced its plans to introduce an entry-level electric city car with a price tag of €20,000 (approximately £17,000) and a target launch date of 2027. The upcoming model, known as the ID 1, will serve as a spiritual successor to the discontinued Volkswagen Up and is expected to rival the Citroën e-C3.

Building Affordable Electric Cars in Spain

The ID 1 will be one of four affordable electric vehicles manufactured in Spain by the Volkswagen Group. Alongside the Skoda Epiq compact SUV, there will be two additional small electric cars priced at €25,000 each, one from Volkswagen and the other from Cupra. The introduction of an affordable VW EV could also lead to a Seat counterpart in the future.

Focus on Electromobility

Thomas Schäfer, Volkswagen brand CEO, emphasized the brand’s commitment to electromobility for all. He highlighted the importance of offering attractive electric vehicles in the entry-level segment while maintaining high standards in technology, design, quality, and customer experience.

Challenges and Government Support

Schäfer acknowledged the challenges of producing smaller electric cars due to rising costs and limited resources. He called for increased support from governments to ensure the success of electromobility in Europe.

Design and Features

The ID 1 will be based on a bespoke platform separate from the MEB Entry architecture used for the ID 2. The focus will be on affordability, with a simplified approach to technology and connectivity features. The car is designed for city driving and will prioritize interior space and innovative storage solutions over long-distance capabilities.

Profitability and Market Strategy

Volkswagen’s technical development boss, Kai Grünitz, hinted that the ID 1 may not need to generate significant profits on its own. Instead, it could serve as an entry point for younger customers into the VW EV lineup, potentially leading to sales of more expensive models in the future.

With a planned launch date of 2027, Volkswagen is gearing up to introduce an affordable electric city car that aims to make electromobility accessible to a broader customer base. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new addition to Volkswagen’s electric vehicle lineup.