Volkswagen's future range will include an ultra-compact cheap EV model. Likely called ID.1, it will be the spiritual successor of the e-Up!, a city EV that was sold for a decade in Europe before being discontinued in 2023. But this one should have modern technology, better range and be primed for an audience of EV drivers looking for more affordable options in the market.
So what should we expect from the ID.1? Let's dive right in to find out.
What Will It Look Like?
We know the ID.1 will be a supermini hatchback, but it will be slightly larger than its predecessor. Initially, the ID.1 was supposed to be inspired by the e-Up design-wise, but that changed after Volkswagen revealed the ID. Every1 concept.
The show car previews the series-production version of the ID.1 and features a new design language for the brand. It's subdued and friendly, with smooth surfaces that aren't too angular or bulbous.
Gallery: Volkswagen ID.Every1
The concept is 152.8 inches long, 58.7 inches tall and 71.7 inches wide. This means it slots nicely between the discontinued e-Up and the upcoming ID.2 subcompact hatchback which will be longer and wider.
Compared to the discontinued Chevrolet Bolt EV, the ID.1 concept is 11 inches shorter, 2 inches wider and 4 inches shorter. Bear in mind that these are not the dimensions of the final product, so these figures might change. The trunk of the ID. Every1 concept has a 305-liter (10.5 cubic feet) capacity.
Inside, the concept features a small digital instrument cluster and a large central infotainment touchscreen that appears to run a modified version of Rivian's software interface. This makes sense, as Volkswagen and Rivian are working together on future software platforms for their EVs. There are several buttons on the steering wheel and some physical control under the big central display.
Overall, the interior of the concept car looks airy and has plenty of storage cubbies, including a central glovebox with a lid and something that resembles a shelf next to it. There are also door pockets in the front and a central armrest between the two front seats.
How Much Will It Cost?
When it was first announced a couple of years ago, Volkswagen’s small and cheap electric vehicle was supposed to cost less than $21,500 (€20,000). Now, though, after the debut of the ID. Every1 concept, we learned that the production version will start at $21,500.
What Will Power It?
There have been rumors saying the small electric car would be built on a new platform, different from the MEB architecture that underpins the ID.3 and ID.4, to keep costs down.
However, the reveal of the ID. Every1 concept put these rumors to rest, as Volkswagen confirmed it uses the MEB platform with a front-wheel drive configuration. According to Volkswagen, the show car is powered by a single electric motor making 94 horsepower, enough for a top speed of 80 miles per hour (130 kilometers per hour). That's not much by modern standards, but it's just enough to go on Germany's famous Autobahns without holding back traffic.
Volkswagen estimates the ID.1 will have a driving range of "at least" 156 miles (250 km) on a full charge on the WLTP cycle. That's four miles shy of what the last iteration of the e-Up was capable of, but it's likely that VW will also offer a large battery pack option for more range.
When Will It Go On Sale?
Production of the ID.1 city EV will start in 2027 in Portugal. That's a year after the ID.2 subcompact EV will go into production. The ID.1 will most likely be limited to European sales, as the automaker said it's "from Europe for Europe."
The Competition
Volkswagen is working hard to ship cheaper EVs, but it's a few years behind the competition. Renault announced the revival of its iconic Twingo nameplate in the form of a four-door urban EV that will be priced under $22,000 (€20,000) when deliveries start in 2026. Stellantis, which owns several European brands, also got into the cheap electric car game with the help of Chinese manufacturer Leapmotor, which offers a pint-sized, $10,900 (RMB 79,500) in China.
There’s also the Chinese-made Dacia Spring and the European-made Citroen e-C3. The cheaper Citroen Ami / Opel Rocks-E / Fiat Topolino crew can also be thrown into the mix. Still, they’re considered quadricycles and only have seating for two people, so they’re not exactly continent cruisers.
Volkswagen's Other Cheap EV
Volkswagen intends to launch the sub-$27,000 (€25,000) production version of the ID.2all hatchback by 2026, which will reportedly feature a 280-mile (450-kilometer) range and can recharge from 10 to 80% state of charge in around 20 minutes. However, the similarly-sized Renault 5 is already being delivered in Europe, forcing VW to play a game of catch-up. An electric Golf is also said to be in the cards soon as well.
