Volkswagen has revealed its compact, affordable ID.EVERY1 electric vehicle, priced at 20,000 euros (approximately $21,500). However, fans of affordable EVs in the United States shouldn’t hold their breath, as there are no current plans for it to be sold in the US.
The ID.EVERY1, set to launch in Europe by 2027, promises a lot in a small package. It’s a four-seater EV, only 13-feet long. It will offer a range of 155 miles and a customizable dashboard. But the most notable aspect of this vehicle is the collaboration behind its creation.
The production version of the ID.EVERY1 will be the first vehicle to incorporate software developed with EV startup Rivian, a Volkswagen spokesperson confirmed. This partnership, which was announced last year, involves Volkswagen investing over $5 billion in Rivian and establishing a joint venture to develop next-generation software and EV technology.
This strategic alliance is vital for Volkswagen, as the automaker seeks to overcome challenges. Declining sales in Europe and China, which are two of the most important markets, along with struggles with unions and job cuts, have put pressure on the company to restructure. Furthermore, Volkswagen is facing increasing competition from local rivals, particularly in China. The automaker plans to cut 35,000 jobs by 2030.
In the meantime, Rivian seeks financial support as it works to scale up its production. The company’s future could be disrupted by the end of federal support for EVs. Rivian is experiencing a slowdown in electric vehicle sales growth, which has forced several startups to file for bankruptcy recently. The deal with VW offers Rivian a significant financial lifeline.
For Volkswagen, the ID.EVERY1 is a key element of its plan. It allows the company to leverage Rivian’s know-how and incorporate advanced technology into their range of affordable EVs. The ID.EVERY1 will compete with the influx of affordable electric vehicles from Chinese manufacturers in Europe, and other European automakers, such as Renault and Stellantis, are also developing affordable electric vehicles. Currently, there are no plans to bring the ID.EVERY1 to the United States, and a combination of potential tariffs and the termination of government subsidies for EVs might keep it that way.
