Volkswagen has confirmed plans to launch its new entry-level electric vehicle, the ID.1, in 2027. Expected to cost around £17,000, the compact EV will play a key role in Volkswagen’s ambition to make electric mobility more accessible while supporting its goal of achieving 80% all-electric passenger car sales in Europe by 2030.
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A Pure Electric Car, Pure Volkswagen
The shift towards electric vehicles continues to gather momentum, and Volkswagen is investing heavily in expanding its EV range.
While electric cars can have a higher upfront purchase price than petrol or diesel models, they can offer lower running costs, reduced maintenance requirements and zero tailpipe emissions, making them an increasingly attractive option for many drivers.
Volkswagen says its growing electric range is designed to offer something for every type of driver, with the upcoming ID.1 expected to become the brand’s most affordable electric model yet.
Volkswagen Is Working Full Steam Ahead on the ID.1
The ID.1 will become the smallest vehicle in Volkswagen’s dedicated electric vehicle line-up and is expected to be built using a new electric platform developed across the wider Volkswagen Group.
Positioned below the ID.2all, the new model is expected to offer dimensions similar to today’s Volkswagen Polo, although the final production name has yet to be confirmed.
Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer commented:
“The Polo has been hugely successful and remains one of our iconic models. Whether we continue to use that name in the future is something we’re still evaluating.”
He added:
“We are implementing the transformation at pace to bring electric mobility to the masses.”
Early expectations suggest the ID.1 could offer a driving range of approximately 280 miles (450km), along with front-wheel drive and styling inspired by classic Volkswagen models such as the original Golf.
Interested in Volkswagen’s wider electrification plans? Read our article on Audi to Launch 20 Models by 2025, exploring how other major manufacturers are accelerating their electric vehicle strategies.
Keeping the Price Around £17,000 Won’t Be Easy
Volkswagen has acknowledged that producing an affordable electric vehicle remains a significant challenge.
Thomas Schäfer explained that economies of scale across the Volkswagen Group will play an important role in helping reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining profitability.
Several brands within the group are expected to share components and technology, helping to spread development costs across a much larger production volume.
Alongside the ID.1, Volkswagen is also developing the ID.2all, as well as closely related models for Cupra and Škoda based on the MEB Entry platform.
Future battery technology is also expected to contribute to lower production costs, with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries offering a more affordable solution while still providing competitive charging speeds and driving range.
Current expectations suggest charging from 10% to 80% could take approximately 20 minutes using rapid charging facilities.
More Affordable Electric Cars Are on the Way
As manufacturers continue investing in electric vehicle technology, buyers will soon have more affordable options than ever before.
The UK’s electric vehicle market continues to expand, with increasing model choice across every size and price category. Improvements in battery technology, charging infrastructure and manufacturing efficiency are helping reduce barriers for drivers considering the switch.
Although petrol and diesel vehicles remain popular today, the planned phase-out of new combustion engine sales means many motorists are beginning to explore electric alternatives for their next vehicle.
If you’re thinking about switching to an EV, our guide to Electric Cars and Petrol Cars – Which is Cheaper, covers charging, ownership costs, range and what to expect from electric motoring.
Final Thoughts
Volkswagen’s upcoming ID.1 represents another important step towards making electric vehicles more affordable for everyday drivers.
If the company can successfully achieve its target price while delivering practical range, modern technology and Volkswagen’s traditional build quality, the ID.1 could become one of the most accessible electric cars on the market.
With more manufacturers introducing lower-cost EVs over the coming years, buyers will have greater choice than ever before as the transition to electric mobility continues.
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