Mar 6, 2025
Volkswagen's €20,000 mini-electric vehicle emphasizes the company's effort to penetrate every market segment.
Volkswagen has revealed its plan for a budget-friendly electric minicar as part of its goal to provide the most extensive selection of electric and combustion-engine vehicles among mass automakers in Europe.
The production model of the ID Every1 is anticipated to start at around €20,000 ($21,000) when it arrives in 2027. It will face competition from affordable EVs introduced by Chinese companies like Leapmotor and BYD, as well as established competitors like Renault.
The ID Every1, likely to be branded as the ID1, will serve as the entry-level option in Volkswagen's ID lineup of battery-electric vehicles.
"The ID Every1 represents the final piece of our strategy to offer the broadest model range in the mainstream market," stated VW brand chief Thomas Schaefer during the concept's introduction on March 5.
The production vehicle will employ the same front-wheel-drive MEB platform utilized by the larger ID2 EV, which is set to debut in 2026 starting at approximately €25,000 ($27,000).
Volkswagen has announced plans to unveil nine new models by 2027, with four of them belonging to the Electric Urban Car Family, which will feature the ID1, ID2, and a small crossover hinted at by the 2023 ID2all concept.
While VW has not specified where the ID1 will be manufactured or provided technical specifications like electric range targets, German media has suggested that production may occur at VW's facility in Setubal, Portugal.
The ID1 concept boasts large wheels, pronounced wheel arches, and a "floating" roof, giving it a design that is described as both "self-assured and appealing," according to VW's design head Andreas Mindt.
Competing models include the Renault Twingo and BYD Seagull. The production version will position VW strategically in the affordable EV market, helping counter the competition from Chinese manufacturers and more rapidly adapting traditional rivals such as Stellantis, Hyundai, and Renault.
Competitors will include the Dacia Spring, Leapmotor T03, Hyundai Inster, and BYD Seagull. Other upcoming electric minicars consist of the new Renault Twingo and a projected electric replacement for the Fiat Panda.
The ID1 marks VW's return to the minicar segment after a five-year absence, following the discontinuation of the Up minicar's combustion engine and full electric models.
The ID Every1 concept measures 3,880 mm (153 inches) long, making it slightly longer than the 3,600-mm Up, and positioning it below the ID2all, which is 4,050 mm long.
The concept has a maximum speed of 130 kph (81 mph) and is powered by a newly developed electric motor producing 70 kW (95 metric horsepower). Its range is at least 250 km (155 miles).
VW mentioned that the ID1 will comfortably accommodate four passengers, with ample storage in the 305-liter trunk.
This vehicle will be the first from VW to utilize a new powerful software architecture that allows for updates and new functions throughout its lifecycle.
While specifics were sparse, current VW models employ the MIB4 (modular infotainment matrix 4th generation) for new releases like the Golf and Tiguan, featuring ChatGPT-enhanced voice control.
Reports suggest that the production ID1 will be the initial vehicle in VW's lineup to leverage software from its partnership with U.S. EV manufacturer Rivian, which simplifies wiring requirements and reduces vehicle weight, streamlining manufacturing processes.
The ID Every1 interior features a large central digital touchscreen alongside a smaller display for the driver. The design includes physical controls beneath the screen for temperature, seat heating, and volume, moving away from previous designs focused solely on screen interaction. The steering wheel will have more buttons, enhancing accessibility.
Innovative interior features include a central console that slides on a rail, described by VW as a "multifunctional tool," inspired by the larger ID Buzz electric minivan.
The ID Every1's exterior design takes cues from classic VW models, such as the straight bottom window line and a dark grille bar between the headlights, reminiscent of the original Golf.
"The absence of trend-driven features ensures the ID Every1 will remain contemporary for years, making it timeless," stated VW in a press release.
Mindt explained that the design team aimed to create a "stable" appearance with wide wheel arches and a tapered middle section of the body.
The "likable" aspect is partly derived from the "pupil" effect of the front headlights, he noted.
The ID1 was developed by the Volkswagen Group's Core Brand Group, which also includes Skoda, Seat, and Cupra.
Variants of the ID1 are expected to be launched by other brands within the group. The ID2 hatchback and SUV are being developed concurrently alongside models for Skoda and Cupra.
The production model of the ID Every1 is anticipated to start at around €20,000 ($21,000) when it arrives in 2027. It will face competition from affordable EVs introduced by Chinese companies like Leapmotor and BYD, as well as established competitors like Renault.
The ID Every1, likely to be branded as the ID1, will serve as the entry-level option in Volkswagen's ID lineup of battery-electric vehicles.
"The ID Every1 represents the final piece of our strategy to offer the broadest model range in the mainstream market," stated VW brand chief Thomas Schaefer during the concept's introduction on March 5.
The production vehicle will employ the same front-wheel-drive MEB platform utilized by the larger ID2 EV, which is set to debut in 2026 starting at approximately €25,000 ($27,000).
Volkswagen has announced plans to unveil nine new models by 2027, with four of them belonging to the Electric Urban Car Family, which will feature the ID1, ID2, and a small crossover hinted at by the 2023 ID2all concept.
While VW has not specified where the ID1 will be manufactured or provided technical specifications like electric range targets, German media has suggested that production may occur at VW's facility in Setubal, Portugal.
The ID1 concept boasts large wheels, pronounced wheel arches, and a "floating" roof, giving it a design that is described as both "self-assured and appealing," according to VW's design head Andreas Mindt.
Competing models include the Renault Twingo and BYD Seagull. The production version will position VW strategically in the affordable EV market, helping counter the competition from Chinese manufacturers and more rapidly adapting traditional rivals such as Stellantis, Hyundai, and Renault.
Competitors will include the Dacia Spring, Leapmotor T03, Hyundai Inster, and BYD Seagull. Other upcoming electric minicars consist of the new Renault Twingo and a projected electric replacement for the Fiat Panda.
The ID1 marks VW's return to the minicar segment after a five-year absence, following the discontinuation of the Up minicar's combustion engine and full electric models.
The ID Every1 concept measures 3,880 mm (153 inches) long, making it slightly longer than the 3,600-mm Up, and positioning it below the ID2all, which is 4,050 mm long.
The concept has a maximum speed of 130 kph (81 mph) and is powered by a newly developed electric motor producing 70 kW (95 metric horsepower). Its range is at least 250 km (155 miles).
VW mentioned that the ID1 will comfortably accommodate four passengers, with ample storage in the 305-liter trunk.
This vehicle will be the first from VW to utilize a new powerful software architecture that allows for updates and new functions throughout its lifecycle.
While specifics were sparse, current VW models employ the MIB4 (modular infotainment matrix 4th generation) for new releases like the Golf and Tiguan, featuring ChatGPT-enhanced voice control.
Reports suggest that the production ID1 will be the initial vehicle in VW's lineup to leverage software from its partnership with U.S. EV manufacturer Rivian, which simplifies wiring requirements and reduces vehicle weight, streamlining manufacturing processes.
The ID Every1 interior features a large central digital touchscreen alongside a smaller display for the driver. The design includes physical controls beneath the screen for temperature, seat heating, and volume, moving away from previous designs focused solely on screen interaction. The steering wheel will have more buttons, enhancing accessibility.
Innovative interior features include a central console that slides on a rail, described by VW as a "multifunctional tool," inspired by the larger ID Buzz electric minivan.
The ID Every1's exterior design takes cues from classic VW models, such as the straight bottom window line and a dark grille bar between the headlights, reminiscent of the original Golf.
"The absence of trend-driven features ensures the ID Every1 will remain contemporary for years, making it timeless," stated VW in a press release.
Mindt explained that the design team aimed to create a "stable" appearance with wide wheel arches and a tapered middle section of the body.
The "likable" aspect is partly derived from the "pupil" effect of the front headlights, he noted.
The ID1 was developed by the Volkswagen Group's Core Brand Group, which also includes Skoda, Seat, and Cupra.
Variants of the ID1 are expected to be launched by other brands within the group. The ID2 hatchback and SUV are being developed concurrently alongside models for Skoda and Cupra.