This €20k hatchback is Volkswagen's EV for the masses
What's the story
Volkswagen (VW) has unveiled its most affordable electric car, the ID. EVERY1, in concept form.
The hatchback will launch in Europe in 2027 at just €20,000 (roughly $21,000).
This model is part of VW's plan to take on affordable Chinese EVs and other market leaders such as Tesla.
However, it remains to be seen if this car will come to India and other markets.
Model details
ID. EVERY1 will be smaller than ID. 2all
The ID. EVERY1 will be smaller than the ID. 2all, which was unveiled in 2023 with an estimated price tag of €25,000 (approximately $26,000).
Both models are currently intended for Europe only, with production scheduled to begin in 2026 and 2027 respectively.
The upcoming hatchback will include a modular center console and new software capabilities, shared with the ID.2all model as part of VW's "Electric Urban Car Family."
Platform
ID. EVERY1 to feature 2nd-generation MEB platform
The production versions of the ID. EVERY1 and ID. 2all will be based on the second-generation version of VW's modular "MEB" platform.
The platform currently underpins several VW vehicles including the ID4 crossover SUV and the ID Buzz minivan.
The concept ID. EVERY1 is driven by a newly developed electric motor with 94hp and an estimated range of around 250km on a yet-to-be-disclosed battery size.
Software
ID. EVERY1 will be VW's first vehicle with OTA updates
Volkswagen has promised the production version of the ID. EVERY1 will be its first vehicle to sport a new "powerful" software architecture capable of over-the-air updates.
The ID. EVERY1's design borrows from small SUVs as well as VW's discontinued Up and Polo minicars, while also borrowing stylings from the ID. Life concept seen in 2021.
Strategy
Volkswagen's cost-cutting measures amid growing competition
To counter rising competition from cheap EVs in China, Hyundai, Kia, and Tesla are all planning more affordable models. Ford also plans to bring its own entry-level EVs.
Apart from vehicle pricing strategies, Volkswagen is also adopting cost-cutting measures after a labor strike in Germany.
The company has reached a union deal that will give it 35,000 fewer workers and billions per year in savings.