Volkswagen shows off entry-level ID.1 EV

The VW ID.Every1 concept hints at the “Electric Urban Family Car”, the Volkswagen ID.1, that’s due out in 2027. 

This is the second small EV from Volkswagen, the ID.2, due to launch overseas later this year. But the even smaller, city-focused ID.Every1 will certainly undercut the ID.2 on price. 

Dubbed a concept car, it is evidently more of a preproduction offering, according to VW. Expect the real thing to have smaller wheels, bigger door handles and slightly different lights. 

What it does do is make a reality of VW’s promise to bring a Euro 20,000 car to bookend its nine-car EV range. It will of course be smaller even than the Polo-sized ID.2.

Previewed earlier, at 3880mm long the concept is still 280mm longer than the Up it replaces. It has a longer wheelbase to accommodate the battery pack between its axles.

The wee city car will come up against the likes of Renault’s retro-influenced Twingo and Leapmotor T03. The VW is quite a bit bigger overall, the firm suggesting there’s room for four, plus a 305-litre boot which is 50L bigger than the Up’s. 

Powering the weenie is a 70kW motor, good for a 130km/h top speed, while its 250km range is about 40km shy of Twingo’s. 

Likely the battery size is 35-40kWh, though that’s unconfirmed. 

Designed to appeal

As with the previous Up, design is key to the success of this vehicle. VW chief designer, Andy Mindt, has essentially compacted the ID.2All Concept. The ID.Every1 draws inspiration from former VW offerings, like Lupo and Up. It is said to have character and an identity that people can relate to.

Its boxy body goes for a timeless look. The front end is simple and will likely go unchanged into the production car. VW will likely give it facial features to make the car approachable and familiar. The visage hints at “a cheeky smile”. Badges are backlit.

Subtle features include a contoured roof panel and a hidden third brake light, plus simple oblong rear lights and lower air intake. 

Volkswagen will use the ID.1 to introduce its software-driven electronic architecture that uses over-the-air updates. It also makes functional enhancements possible in future.

Interesting inside

The concept’s cabin is simple, featuring interesting use of materials to retain interest. A small driver’s display and two outer air vents mimic the headlight shape, while a touchscreen sits above physical controls for ventilation, volume and heated seats. 

A central dash compartment acts as the car’s glovebox, with an open section beside it featuring straps for larger items. The centre console slides, there’s a removable Bluetooth speaker and the passenger has a panel that can accept a tablet.

A key question is how VW will build it profitably by 2027. It is hoping that its investment in battery technology and the scale of its BEV manufacturing will pay dividends. Also contributing is the use of the MEB Entry platform and likely production out of the Seat production facility in Martorell, Spain.

The other rival, at least in Europe, is Leapmotor’s T03 which has similar range and performance for slightly less of an ask. 

Next up for VW is the reveal of the ID 2 X crossover.