Volkswagen has teased its upcoming entry-level electric vehicle (EV), expected to be called the ID.One. Set to be the most affordable EV from the German automaker, the ID.One is planned to go on sale in 2027 with an estimated price of €20,000 in Europe.
That’s roughly £17,000 in the UK or $20,800 in the US, making it one of the cheapest mainstream electric cars available.
A New Entry in Volkswagen’s EV Lineup
The ID.One will sit below the upcoming ID.2all, another budget-friendly EV from Volkswagen that is set to launch in 2025 at a slightly higher price.
The ID.One is aimed at European customers, as small hatchbacks typically struggle in markets like the United States, where larger vehicles dominate.
While Volkswagen hasn’t officially confirmed the name, there’s speculation that it could bring back the iconic Up! badge, since this EV is designed to replace the discontinued Volkswagen Up!—a popular city car that offered affordability and efficiency.
A First Look at the Volkswagen ID.One
Volkswagen released a teaser image of the ID.One, showing a compact yet stylish design with a squat, aggressive front end. The signature Volkswagen design elements remain intact, but the focus is clearly on cost-effectiveness.
To keep the price low, Volkswagen is expected to strip back non-essential features. The battery range is likely to be modest, making the car ideal for city driving rather than long road trips.
In terms of interior technology, Volkswagen’s technical development boss, Kai Grünitz, suggested that customers might rely on their own smartphones and tablets rather than a built-in infotainment system.
Volkswagen’s Plan for Affordable EVs
The ID.One is part of Volkswagen’s larger EV strategy, which includes 11 new electric models set to launch by 2027. The company is doubling down on electric mobility and aims to become the leading volume EV manufacturer by 2030.
Volkswagen has struggled with EV sales in recent years due to high costs and competition from Tesla and Chinese automakers, but it now hopes that affordable models like the ID.One and ID.2all will attract budget-conscious buyers and younger customers looking for their first EV.
How the ID.One Stacks Up Against Competitors
Volkswagen isn’t the only company chasing the affordable EV market. Other automakers are also making big moves in this segment:
- Renault 5 E-Tech – This retro-inspired EV has already outsold the Tesla Model Y in France and is considered one of the best-value electric cars in Europe.
- Citroën C3 Aircross – Available as a petrol or full-electric model, starting at around £22,990 ($28,500).
- Dacia Spring – One of the cheapest EVs in Europe, with an ultra-low starting price of £14,240 ($18,000), but with a very basic feature set.
Volkswagen has an advantage over Dacia and Citroën in terms of brand reputation and perceived quality, but it faces stiff competition from Renault, which has already found success in the affordable EV market.
Can Volkswagen Deliver in Time?
The biggest question surrounding the ID.One is whether 2027 is too late. By the time the ID.One reaches the market, competitors like Renault, Citroën, and even Tesla could have already dominated the affordable EV space.
However, Volkswagen has a strong history of making entry-level cars that feel premium and durable, keeping buyers loyal to the brand.
If the ID.One can offer a balance of affordability, quality, and decent range, it could replicate the success of the Polo and the original Up!, bringing more drivers into Volkswagen’s EV ecosystem.
Volkswagen’s Next Steps
Volkswagen will reveal a show car version of the ID.One in March 2024, giving the world a first look at what to expect.
If the final production model remains close to the concept and stays within the €20,000 price range, it could be one of the most significant electric car launches of the decade.
For now, the automotive industry will be watching closely to see how Volkswagen executes its plan to bring affordable EVs to the masses.
