Volkswagen Previews ID.1 Concept: An Affordable Electric City Car Coming in 2027
Volkswagen is gearing up to introduce its most affordable electric vehicle yet: the ID.1. Previewed by the ID.Every1 concept, this city-focused EV is slated to hit showrooms in 2027 with an anticipated starting price of approximately £17,000, aiming to make electric motoring accessible to a wider audience.
Currently, the ID.Every1 concept is around 80% of the final road-going car’s design, with minimal changes anticipated for the production model aside from minor adjustments to elements like wheels, door handles, and lighting.
This new city car is part of a broader nine-model electric vehicle offensive from Volkswagen, expected by 2027. This lineup includes the upcoming ID.2All, which is similar in size to the Polo, alongside other EVs like the ID.3, ID.4, and ID.5. Additionally, an SUV and GTI variant of the ID.2All are planned.
The ID.Every1 will be a compact car, measuring approximately 3,880mm in length. This makes it longer than the previous VW up!, due to the inclusion of a battery pack between the axles.
It will leverage the updated MEB architecture, which also underpins the ID.2, albeit with a slightly reduced wheelbase. This model will also feature a new e-motor, a custom battery pack, and a revised rear axle. Certain high-cost components, like the firewall, will be shared across models to enhance economies of scale.
One of the primary competitors for the ID.1 in 2027 will be the retro-inspired Renault Twingo. Compared to the French rival, the ID.1 will be longer, as well as a bit taller and wider, promising a spacious interior for up to four occupants and a 305-liter boot capacity, surpassing the VW up!’s cargo volume by about 50 liters.
The ID.Every1 rides on 19-inch wheels in concept form, but the production car will feature slightly smaller 18-inch rims, while the concept’s core design is expected to remain intact.
It’s expected to be equipped with a downsized electric motor generating 94bhp. It’s projected to have a top speed of 80mph, and a range of around 155 miles. While this range is slightly less than the 170 miles Renault has suggested for the Twingo, VW believes it is adequate, given the vehicle’s primary focus on urban driving contexts.
Although specific details about the ID.Every1’s battery capacity have not been published, it’s likely to be between 35-40kWh, employing an LFP battery chemistry. Consistent with other MEB models, the battery will be placed flat beneath the cabin, positioned between the axles.
Design and Interior
Key to the ID.1’s appeal will be its design. Volkswagen design chief Andy Mindt and his team have taken inspiration from the ID.2All Concept, referencing iconic VW models like the Lupo and up!. The ID.Every1 design incorporates elements that made those cars successful, but avoids literal design cues.
The car’s body has a timeless, streamlined look. The front features a minimalist design with a single headlight and grille graphic that will translate directly to the production car. VW aims to give its design human qualities; the design incorporates elements like the headlight’s ‘pupils’ or subtle, friendly ‘smile’ at the front. The car’s contoured roof and integrated third brake light, and straightforward elements, such as the rear lights and lower air intake, culminate in a design crafted to broaden the ID.1’s appeal.
The production car will see some changes, as typically occurs in the transition from concept to production. However, the essential aspects, such as the flared wheel arches and slim glasshouse, will generally be kept.
Volkswagen will also be introducing its new software-driven electronic architecture as part of a joint venture with American EV manufacturer Rivian. This architecture emphasizes over-the-air updates, which will keep the vehicle current long after its initial purchase. It will also offer benefits in performance, reduce development time and costs.
The cabin concept is minimal, yet it uses textured and non-coated materials to prevent it from seeming too austere. The dashboard features a small driver’s display and air vents similar to the headlights, with a touchscreen mounted above the physical controls for temperature, volume, and heated seats. A central storage space on the dash serves as the main glove box. Additional open storage with straps is available for larger items. These features will be adapted for the production version of the ID.1, tailored for both private and fleet customers. Buyers will be able to specify options to exclude items, such as the center console.
The cabin will only seat four people, similar to other city-sized VW models.
Volkswagen is aware of its previous missteps, but its team has expressed confidence that with the ID.1, the brand will regain a leadership position in the European car market.
How VW Plans to Keep Costs Down
Some brands, such as Citroen and Fiat, have already entered the low-cost EV segment with models like the e-C3 and Grande Panda. VW strives to make the ID.1 both more cost-effective and more advanced. VW’s member for research and development, Kai Grunitz said that the low cost is possible through shared elements for this MEB-Entry platform, such as the scuttle, which is shared with the ID.2All, VW says around 80% of the development costs come thanks to this aspect alone.
“We see that the price did go down in the last few years, that’s also partly due to overcapacity – especially in China – but when the battery itself gets smaller, then the price point of the battery itself isn’t quite so important. For example, the battery size of an ID.7 is double the size, so it’s obviously going to cost more, but you can’t just rely on the battery to reach that 20,000 euro mark.”
Another cost-saving area is found in the front wing, which features a charging point that brings it closer to a number of electric powertrain elements, which also keeps costs down.
The biggest savings may come from a new-generation software architecture, which VW says will reduce development time.
“The most important element is speed. This car will take us roughly three years to develop, including all the new elements. A new topper with only minor technological updates could take as little as 24-26 months. This is competitive with companies in China. The most important point that allows this is the software architecture, because we are not starting with a white sheet of paper, we’re starting with what’s already on the road.”
With clear enthusiasm and recognition of past errors, VW is confident about its future with the ID.1 at its base. While the European EV market is unstable, Volkswagen is prepared to take a leading position by 2030.
