Volkswagen confirms ID.1 as entry-level EV

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Volkswagen wants to make really small and affordable electric vehicles as part of its ID portfolio, and one of its ambitious plans is to make a car that costs less than 20,000 euros, or around $21,400 based on current conversion rates. Autocar reports that this car will be called ID.1 and will sit under the ID. 2all, which was announced earlier today and is targeting a sub-$27,000 price tag. Plans to sell a car for around $21,000 are definitely ambitious as hitting the right cost-to-production model would be a key factor here.

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, has a rather innovative plan to find the balance between costs, volume and profit. While Volkswagen focuses on the ID.1, sister brands Skoda and Cupra will make their own front-wheel drive versions based on the same MEB platform, allowing the trio to reach the volume scale needed to turn a profit. “This volume will help us lower prices to be competitive and also make money,” Schäfer was quoted as saying.

The ID.1 will reportedly be modeled after the Volkswagen Polo in terms of size, but it’s unclear if the upcoming EV will replace the Polo branding or just act as a turn-off shroud. However, there is a chance that the company will follow in BMW’s footsteps and develop something like the Volkswagen ID Polo. Not much is known about its innards, but there is speculation that it will share the same powertrain as the ID.3, or likely the ID. 2all and may be offered in 38kWh and 56kWh battery options.

The latter battery capacity could mean a range of around 250 miles, which is pretty impressive considering the target price. Unsurprisingly, Volkswagen suggested using the cheaper and less energy-dense lithium phosphate batteries in the ID.1 instead of the more efficient lithium-ion battery cells. Not much is known about the design, but based on teaser sketches shared by Volkswagen in May 2022, the ID.1 will offer a curvier hatchback profile compared to the sportier looks of its Skoda and Cupra siblings. All three cars will be made in Spain, but the chances of the ID.1 making it to US shores are slim.