Volkswagen’s ID. EVERY1: Targeting the Affordable EV Market
The automotive world is abuzz with Volkswagen’s vision for a new, affordable electric vehicle. The concept car, called ID. EVERY1, offers a glimpse into VW’s plans for a compact electric car with an anticipated price tag of around €20,000. Set to launch in 2027, the ID. EVERY1 aims to capture both private and commercial customers, including those in care and delivery services.
The expectations are high for the ID. EVERY1. VW’s top brass has already shown the initial design sketches to the workforce, receiving positive feedback. However, the company faces significant pressure to deliver a competitive EV offering in the affordable segment.
Following the launch of the original ID.3, Volkswagen’s electric cars based on the MEB platform have slowly grown in market share. Although early models faced software issues and higher price points, the company has made improvements, and its electric vehicles are now selling well, with the ID.7 proving particularly successful in Europe. Currently, Volkswagen needs to enhance its position in the small, budget-friendly electric car market.
While competitors such as Stellantis, Renault, and Hyundai have already introduced EVs priced under €25,000, VW’s ID.2all concept, unveiled in 2023, isn’t expected to go into production until 2026. The plan includes a small SUV model in the four-meter segment, followed by offshoots from Skoda and Cupra. The ID. EVERY1, scheduled for 2027, is designed to open up another segment for VW.
Volkswagen has made affordable mobility possible for millions of people with compact and likeable cars since the Beetle
With the market already competitive, Volkswagen has the potential to repeat past successes like the Tiguan, which was introduced in the early 2000s. The company aims to achieve the same success with the ID.1 and ID.2. The marketing department made comparisons with the iconic Beetle at the ID. EVERY1 concept car premiere emphasizing the goal of making electric mobility accessible to the masses.
ID. EVERY1: Key Specs and Challenges
Volkswagen has released some key details of the ID. EVERY1. The concept car is part of the Electric Urban Car Family and uses a new modular e-drive system with front-wheel drive. The small ID. EVERY1 features a newly developed electric motor with 70 kW, which delivers a top speed of 130 kph. The company anticipates a range of at least 250 kilometers according to the WLTP standard.
Several competitors already offer affordable EVs. The Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03 are available for under €20,000. Renault is planning the electric Twingo for a similar price point. The Dacia Spring offers 33 or 48 kW of power with a range of approximately 225 kilometers and a maximum speed of 125 kph. The Leapmotor, however, matches VW’s target specs with 70 kW of power and a range of 263 kilometers.
The ID.1 faces the challenge of charging times. VW has not yet confirmed the series model’s charging capacity, but speculations suggest it could exceed the Leapmotor’s 32 kW. If the ID.1 has a 35 kWh battery, it would need around 25 kWh for standard charging from ten to 80 percent. To achieve this in 30 minutes would necessitate an average of 50 kW, and 60 kW for 25 minutes.
Further questions remain. Volkswagen is remaining silent about the battery specifications, including the cell chemistry to be used, but speculation is that it will utilize LFP batteries, with a top version having NMC batteries. Hyundai uses NMC cells in its Inster model.
Design and Dimensions
The ID. EVERY1 is 3.88 meters long and 1.81 meters wide. It is positioned as a compact offering between the e-Up! (3.60 meters) and the ID.2all (4.05 meters), or the combustion-powered Polo (4.07 meters). The Hyundai Inster is about the same in length, but significantly narrower at 3.83 meters. At 3.62 meters, the Leapmotor T03 most closely resembles the former e-Up!, while the Spring is 3.70 meters long. These models are also narrower, approximately 1.60 meters.
The additional width gives the ID. EVERY1 sportier proportions than its competitors, implying more interior space. However, its dimensions may pose challenges in city parking and could impact aerodynamics and motorway consumption, since the ID.1 will probably not be a long-distance vehicle. The ID. EVERY1, designed as a four-seater, aims to cater to multiple customer profiles.
The boot can then hold 305 liters, which is roughly in line with the Dacia Spring. A new software architecture gives the chance to receive new functions over its entire life cycle if its users so wish.
Design and Innovation
VW has emphasized that the ID.1 will stand out with advanced software. Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Technical Development, describes the ID. EVERY1 as a customer-centric model: “As the first model in the entire Group,” the series version of the ID. EVERY1 will utilize a fundamentally new, particularly powerful software architecture – presumably the architecture that is being developed jointly with Rivian.
Andreas Mindt, head designer, says that the ID. EVERY1 aims for a bold yet accessible look. The design includes dynamic front lights and a “smiling” rear, which combine to give the car character. Certain design elements, such as the headlights, are reminiscent of the ID.Life study from the IAA 2021. However, this design, which was a preview for the ID.2, was rejected by the new VW brand boss Thomas Schäfer.
The “Flying Roof Concept” features a lowered roofline in the centre, producing a striking view, especially from above. This depression in the centre of the roof is echoed by the third brake light at the rear, with the two outer surfaces forming the roof edge as an aerodynamic spoiler lip.
Interior and Practicality
The ID. EVERY1 is designed with a focus on space and practicality. The new front-wheel drive MEB platform is said to allow for “perfect” space economy. A central touchscreen and physical buttons for essential controls are featured in the study model. The interior design uses warm colors and incorporates a “lounge-like seating system.”
Small details enhance functionality. The dashboard has horizontal lines with an integrated rail for accessories like a tablet holder. The center console, similar to the ID. Buzz, can be moved for flexible storage. Brand boss Schäfer views the ID. EVERY1 as a key piece in offering a broad range of models.
“We will then offer the right car with the right drive system for every customer – including affordable all-electric entry-level mobility,” said Schäfer.
Volkswagen aims to be a world leader in technology by 2030, acting as a brand for everyone with the ID. EVERY1.
