Volkswagen Unveils Affordable Electric Concept Car: ID. EVERY1
Volkswagen (VWAGY) has entered the budget electric vehicle market with the ID. EVERY1 concept, a compact car priced at approximately €20,000 (around $21,000). This new offering represents a significant step for the automaker, as it’s Volkswagen’s first vehicle to utilize an electric architecture co-developed with Rivian Automotive (RIVN).
Production of the ID. EVERY1 is projected to commence in Europe within two years, although the specific location remains undisclosed. The concept boasts a range exceeding 155 miles, positioning it as a crucial addition to Volkswagen’s next-generation model lineup. Analysts anticipate this affordable model will help Volkswagen compete with other brands, particularly those from China.
Volkswagen’s foray into the electric vehicle market with the ID. EVERY1 comes at a pivotal time. High prices and concerns surrounding charging infrastructure have slowed the shift to EVs among European consumers. After experiencing declining sales in the previous year, Volkswagen is now seeking to regain market share with this cost-effective electric model.
The ID. EVERY1 aligns with Volkswagen’s strategic plan to launch nine new models by 2027, including four front-wheel-drive electric vehicles built on the new modular electric drive (MEB) platform. The production version of the ID. EVERY1 will feature a new software architecture developed with Rivian Automotive, facilitating updates and personalization throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle.
Volkswagen’s broader strategy, detailed in the “Future Volkswagen” agreement, aims to achieve economic stability, maintain employment, and promote sustainable mobility. The plan is divided into three phases: Advance, Attack, and Realization.
The Advance phase focuses on strengthening competitiveness and expanding existing models, with a preview of new electric city cars scheduled for 2025. The Attack phase will involve the launch of nine new models by 2027, including the production versions of ID. 2all and ID. EVERY1. Finally, the Realization phase targets Volkswagen becoming a leading mass manufacturer by 2030, by producing the safest, most innovative, and best-selling vehicles.
Analysts have offered mixed perspectives on Volkswagen’s strategy. Independent analyst Matthias Schmidt views the affordable electric cars as an essential approach to compete with Chinese market players. Conversely, UBS analyst Patrick Hummel has highlighted the financial challenges associated with generating profits from small electric vehicles.
Designed to be price-competitive, the ID. EVERY1 could contend with popular models such as the Dacia Sandero, Renault Clio, Volkswagen Golf, Peugeot 208, and Citroen C3. With the Golf having a strong position as Europe’s best-selling car — holding the title for 14 consecutive years up to 2022 — Volkswagen aims to restore the brand’s former high performance.
