Photo credit: arstechnica.com

Volkswagen Unveils New Affordable Electric Vehicles

In an unexpected announcement, Volkswagen revealed plans for two new electric vehicles aimed at the compact and budget-friendly market segment. This move challenges the recent trend of larger, more expensive electric cars, promising a more accessible option for consumers. However, it’s important to note that there is no definitive timeline yet for their availability in North America.

Scheduled for its European launch next year, the ID. 2all is a compact electric hatchback that Volkswagen aims to price below 25,000 euros (approximately $26,671). While not entirely new—the ID. 2all concept was initially showcased along with a sporty GTI variant in September 2023—the official debut marks a significant step in VW’s electric offerings.

The real standout announcement is the ID. EVERY1, Volkswagen’s entry-level electric vehicle that boasts a distinct and stylish design. Eschewing the retro aesthetics reminiscent of the Mini or Fiat 500, VW has chosen to innovate instead of revisit older models, steering clear of any nostalgia for the classic Giugiaro-styled Golf from 1976. The design philosophy emphasizes three key elements: stability, likability, and surprising features, which VW describes as its “secret sauce.”

The ID. EVERY1 represents a clear departure from the trend of oversized SUVs and trucks that dominate the automotive landscape in recent years.

According to Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen’s head of design, the vehicle’s visual appeal lies in its design choices. “The widely flared wheelarches accommodating 19-inch wheels combined with the athletic surfaces create a sense of stability,” he noted, addressing the pervasive trend of larger wheels in modern vehicle designs. The vehicle’s front features a “slightly cheeky smile,” contributing to its overall charismatic persona, which Mindt believes facilitates a connection with potential drivers. Additionally, the crafted roofline, often found on sports cars, adds an element of intrigue to the vehicle.

Compact by design, the ID. EVERY1 measures 152.8 inches (3,880 mm) in length, making it significantly shorter than Volkswagen’s smallest US offering, the Golf GTI, which stretches to 168.8 inches (4,288 mm). Like the ID. 2all—which, while slightly larger, still remains shorter than the Golf—the ID. EVERY1 is built on a new front-wheel-drive version of Volkswagen’s modular MEB platform. This platform, originally designed for rear- and all-wheel-drive electric vehicles, currently supports models like the ID.4 and ID. Buzz.

Source
arstechnica.com