In February 2024, chief technology officer Kai Grunitz announced that the German manufacturer is developing a new small electric model, the ID.1, which will be positioned below the electric model ID.2. It is a new and affordable electric car that will cost under 20,000 euros and will arrive in 2027 as a replacement for the outgoing VW e-UP!.

The VW ID.1 is due to hit the market in three years, and is part of VW’s long-term plan that includes the introduction of 10 new all-electric vehicles for customers on a tighter budget. The manufacturer has not yet made a final decision whether the car will be developed on the Small MEB platform used by the current ID models or will partner with Renault using their AmpR Small architecture. The German media state that the second option is more certain and that discussions are underway between Volkswagen and Renault about cooperation on this joint project, with the aim of creating prerequisites for the mass production of a 20,000 euro electric vehicle. However, everything will depend on the costs of production and profit.

In the last few years, Volkswagen has presented several smaller models, among them the ID.Life, a “people’s car” concept available for every pocket, with a price of 20,000 euros. It is an urban car that retains simplicity and minimalist appearance, which is visible at first glance. No expensive materials. Recycled materials, wood, rice husk and rubber were used in the construction of the vehicle.

“In creating the ID. LIFE, we have consistently focused on the needs of younger customers. We believe that, even more so than today, the car of the future will be about lifestyle and personal expression. The customer of tomorrow won’t simply want to get from A to B; they will be much more interested in the experiences that a car can offer. The ID. LIFE is our answer to this,” said Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand.

At the end of January, Renault premiered the electric version of the model that was the best-selling model in France in the 80s, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric. Interest in this car is high, as Renault has so far received 50,000 requests. Takođe, Škoda has introduced the prototype of its new subcompact electric SUV, Škoda Epiq. It comes with more passenger space and luggage space, but also with a range of more than 400 km.

The price of electric cars is on the rise and the invasion of Chinese cars, which are slowly conquering the old continent, is increasing. This puts European manufacturers in a difficult position from which they are trying to find a way out. Are cheap small electric cars the answer!?

Source: VW