Volkswagen Previews $21,000 Electric Hatchback: The ID.1
For years, Western automakers have dreamt of a sub-$30,000 electric car. While Tesla initially promised a Model 3 at this price point, it never fully materialized. Now, Volkswagen is stepping up with the ID.1, a potentially game-changing budget EV. The company has previewed the ID.EVERY1 concept, hinting at its design.
The Competitive Landscape
The landscape for budget EVs is heavily influenced by Communist China. With a massive industry, substantial state subsidies, and fewer labor laws, Chinese manufacturers are flooding the market with excellent, affordable EVs. Despite US tariffs, which restrict access for American consumers, Chinese brands now control a significant 76% of the global electric car market. This dominance poses a considerable challenge to Western automakers.
Volkswagen’s Strategy
Volkswagen is responding aggressively to the threat of cheaper, superior Asian goods, aiming to avoid the fate of the German electronics industry. The company is actively working to release new budget EVs. Following the 2023 “ID.2.All” concept, Volkswagen plans to release a $21,000 small hatchback, the ID.1, in 2027. The ID.1 will be smaller than the ID.2 or Polo, but larger than the Up! hatchback.
Design and Specifications
The ID.1 achieves its impressive price point through simplified specifications. The car offers a range of approximately 150 miles on a single charge, allowing for the use of smaller, lighter, and more affordable batteries. Its single-motor electric system generates 94 horsepower. The ID.1’s interior features a large screen alongside a respectable number of physical buttons on the wheel and dashboard. This is a welcome shift, as consumers have expressed frustration over cars relying solely on touchscreens.
Key Questions
Several questions remain about the ID.1. Will the production version resemble its attractive concept? Will it launch within the planned timeframe, at the projected price, and without feeling cheap? And, crucially, will it be available outside of Europe? However, the vehicle is built on a new front-wheel-drive electric platform, representing a potential improvement over Volkswagen’s current offerings, which were hastily developed in response to the “Diesel Gate” scandal.
