The basic electric vehicle Volkswagen ID.1 will start previewing to potential European customers before 2027. India’s unlikely launch.
Volkswagen presented its entry-level electric car preview that will reach European markets during the upcoming 2027 year. The idea of this fundamental EV will premiere its concepts to the public on March 5, 2025. The new EV will succeed the VW Up hatchback by replacing it with an electric model that will be named Volkswagen ID or ID.1
Ambitious Plans
Under its new growth plan, Volkswagen ID.1 is developing a series of new products for international markets which will include nine different models to launch by 2027. A basic electric vehicle stands as the critical factor in this strategic plan. Thomas Schäfer indicated through his statement that this upcoming car will serve as “an affordable, high-quality, profitable electric Volkswagen from Europe for Europe”. According to him, the new EV model establishes itself as the “Champions League of automobile manufacturing”.
Design Elements
The teaser showcases an elegant design with distinctive lighting elements on the front fascia. This vehicle features LED bracket elements that frame its rectangular-shaped headlamps on two sides. LED daytime running lights (DRLs) create an upscale appearance by being mounted vertically on the bumpers.
The vehicle includes Volkswagen logo illumination alongside curved body sections and aerodynamic design lines implemented on the vehicle body. The car reveals a muscular fender design while its flat bonnet promotes airflow and a clean appearance. The compact rear-view mirrors on the vehicle present an integrated turn signal system according to the released information1. The side display features body-coloured door handlings together with door side moulding and modern alloy wheels yet matches the rear lighting design.
The EV design incorporates a logo with illumination and curves in its body panels along with aerodynamic-shaped lines. The automobile shows muscular buffers combined with a flat bonnet design that creates both an appealing aesthetic and improved air movement. The vehicle shows compact rear-view mirrors which probably include built-in turn signals.1 Body-colored door handles door side molding and sporty alloy wheels appear with matching rear lighting attributes on the side profile of this model.
MEB Platform
A new basic electric vehicle continues its position within the complete lineup of ID electric models. The ID family of Volkswagen cars has accumulated 1.35 million sales worldwide starting from 2019. The EV production will utilise an MEB platform version shortened from the one used in the ID.2 all hatchback.
Affordable Target
The affordable EV model will utilise compact storage space for its battery together with a single motor system configuration. 15 Volkswagen plans to establish the base price of this EV at €20,000 which equals approximately Rs 18 lakh. The manufacturer wants to reach various European customer segments with this vehicle pricing. The new EV will draw its platform along with powertrain elements from MEB components that will be also used in Skoda and SEAT lineups to generate cost savings.
Production Location
The manufacturer Volkswagen remains undecided about the vehicle production plant for the new EV1 Entry-Level model. The Wolfsburg plant functions as a vital centre for producing new electric car models according to company announcements. The Wolfsburg plant operates as a manufacturer of both the next-generation electric Golf as well as the high-volume electric T-Roc.
India Prospects
Volkswagen maintains an unclear position regarding the future launch of its entry-level electric vehicle model in India. The future EV releases by Volkswagen for the Indian market prioritise different vehicles built using an Indian version of the CMP architecture. The vehicle manufacturer Volkswagen has launched development on India Main Platform (IMP) which functions as a CMP China derivative designed for electric vehicles. Volkswagen plans to launch two electric SUVs of different sizes in the upcoming years to the Indian market.
Market Strategy
Volkswagen will drive its compact EV strategy for Europe through the entry-level EV as well as the production release of the ID. 2all. The production version of Volkswagen ID.2all will become available at European dealerships in 2026 starting at €25,000 equivalent to ₹ 22.71 lakhs. These car models form an electric small-car family under the Volkswagen Group that focuses on delivering basic electric mobility solutions at affordable prices to customers.
ID.2all Details
The ID. 2all concept-based electric cars as well as the entry-level EV will utilise the modular electric drive (MEB) platform for their construction. The upcoming basic EV model will maintain upstanding dimensions that resemble an SUV-type or crossover structure. The ID. 2all might utilise its framework from the MEB architecture which underpins the ID platform. Measurement data for the ID. 2all reveals that the model approaches a smaller size than international Polo models but offers an extended wheelbase.
Powertrain Specs
The front-wheel-drive motor system likely powers the entry-level EV of the new Volkswagen model through a sizable battery. The estimated driving range of this configuration should reach 350-450 km and it will support fast DC as well as AC charging capabilities.
Competitive Edge
Volkswagen’s introduction of a €20,000 electric car represents a major business move to break into the economy EV sector. The new low-cost entry-level mobility product promotes diverse customer acquisition through its budget-friendly specifications.
Looking Towards the Future
ID-branded vehicles achieved sales totalling 1.35 million units throughout the period starting from 2019 when they introduced about 500,000 ID vehicle productions. The manufacturer sold 383100 EVs in 2024. The upcoming entry-level EV launch will enable Volkswagen ID.1 to establish stronger market superiority in the electric vehicle segment.
Global Impact
The company has not determined where they will build production lines for their entry-level Volkswagen EV. The Volkswagen Group produces the ID.2all along with the ID.2X crossover vehicle and the Skoda Epiq and the Cupra Raval SUVs at their Spanish facility. Through their joint work, Volkswagen seeks to optimise its manufacturing efficiency and minimise its production costs.
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