Volkswagen is on a mission to make electric cars more accessible, and the upcoming ID.1 could be the breakthrough. As the brand’s smallest and most budget-friendly EV yet, the ID.1 is shaping up to be a compact city car with big ambitions—and an even bigger question mark around its promised €20,000 price tag. With a launch set for 2027, this little electric hatchback is designed to take on the likes of the Renault Twingo while offering more space, smart tech, and a fresh approach to affordability. But will VW actually deliver?
Volkswagen’s smallest EV, the ID.1, is edging closer to UK roads, with a showroom debut expected by 2027. Sure, that’s still a while away, but we’re starting to get a real glimpse of what’s coming.
If the ID.2all concept got people excited about a new all-electric supermini, the ID.1 is here to turn up the heat. VW has promised a €20,000 price tag, though let’s be real—that’s more of a "let’s see if they can actually pull it off" situation. While it’s only a concept for now, VW insists that the final production model will be about 80% true to what we see today. Expect some tweaks, like smaller wheels and chunkier door handles, but overall, what you see is what you’ll (eventually) get in 2027.
Volkswagen is charging ahead with its EV expansion, aiming to launch nine new electric models by 2027. The lineup features the ID.2, ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, and even an upcoming electric SUV. But the real game-changer? The A-segment ID.Every1—a compact, efficient, and (hopefully) budget-friendly city car designed to make electric driving more accessible.
Size-wise, the ID.Every1 concept stretches to 3,880mm—about 280mm longer than the old VW up! The final production version might shrink slightly, but not by much, according to VW insiders. So, while 2027 still feels far off, the ID.1 is shaping up to be the small EV that could shake up the affordable electric car market. Let’s just hope that €20,000 dream doesn’t turn into a €25,000 reality by the time it arrives.
The Volkswagen ID.1 will be built on a revised version of the MEB architecture, first introduced with the ID.2. However, VW has made some key tweaks—shortening the wheelbase by around 60mm and fitting a new e-motor, rear axle, and battery pack to keep things compact yet efficient.
When it arrives in 2027, the ID.1’s main rival will be the Renault Twingo, though VW’s baby EV will be slightly bigger—around 180mm longer, a bit taller, and a touch wider. Inside, it promises to be surprisingly spacious, with four seats and a 305-litre boot—roughly 50 litres more than the old VW up, so you can fit a few extra shopping bags.
The production ID.1 will ride on slightly smaller 18-inch wheels compared to the 19-inch ones shown on the concept. Under the hood (or rather, under the floor), it generates 94bhp, with a top speed of 80mph and a range of 155 miles. Sure, that’s not a Tesla-level range, but for city driving and short commutes, it’s more than enough. If you’re someone who racks up big miles, you’ll either need to charge it regularly or consider a different EV.
As for the battery, VW hasn’t spilled all the details yet, but expectations point to something around the 40kWh mark—enough to keep the ID.1 practical, affordable, and ready to take on the urban jungle.
The ID.Every1 takes inspiration from VW’s compact car heritage, with clear nods to the Lupo and up!—two small but mighty models that defined their segments. However, while it embraces this legacy, the ID.Every1 also establishes its own identity, with a bold, chunky body design that feels modern without being dull.
At the front, a single headlight bar and grille graphic create a clean, futuristic look—both of which will carry over to the production version. The contoured roof panel and sharply defined rear brake light add further character. While all concept cars undergo some changes before hitting the road, VW has hinted that the ID.Every1 will remain largely true to its original design.
Smart Tech for a Smarter Car
The production version will debut VW’s brand-new software and electronic architecture, developed in partnership with Rivian. This new system will focus on over-the-air updates, ensuring the car stays fresh and functional long after it leaves the showroom. Beyond software updates, this platform is expected to enhance overall performance while reducing development time and costs—good news for both VW and future owners.
A Minimalist Cabin (With Actual Buttons!)
Inside, the concept embraces a minimalist approach, featuring a clean dashboard with a small driver’s display and two outer air vents that cleverly mirror the headlight design. A centrally mounted touchscreen handles most functions, but—thankfully—VW has learned from past mistakes. Instead of relying solely on finicky touch controls, the ID.Every1 retains physical buttons for essentials like climate control, volume, and heated seats. No more endless menu diving just to turn up the heat—just a simple click and you’re sorted.
At the centre of the dashboard sits a practical "hub" that serves as the main glovebox, accompanied by an open storage section with straps to secure larger items. While some of these elements may be slightly tweaked for the production version of the ID.1, VW is designing the car to appeal to both private buyers and fleet customers. Buyers will also have the option to spec the car at a basic level or add features like a centre console for a bit more convenience.
As expected for a small city car, the ID.1 will only have four seats—a standard setup for VW’s compact urban runabouts. While it may not be the most spacious, it’s designed to be efficient, affordable, and practical for everyday use.
A Fresh Start for Volkswagen?
Volkswagen hasn’t had the easiest time in recent years, and company executives were refreshingly candid about past missteps during the international launch of the ID.Every1. They acknowledged that the brand lost its way over the past decade but are confident that the ID.1 represents the start of a new era.
VW believes this next generation of models will restore its status as a leader in the European car industry. Are they truly back on top? That remains to be seen—but with big plans in the works, one thing’s for sure: they’re giving it everything they’ve got.
When it comes to the ID.1, the cost is expected to be low—but how exactly will VW pull that off, especially since we won’t be seeing this car for a few years? Building an EV at such a budget-friendly price point is no small feat.
One key factor is the battery, but that’s just part of the equation. VW needs to cut costs across the board to hit that €20,000 target. For example, the new MEB-Entry platform plays a big role—specifically, the scuttle (the section between the pedals and the front wheels), which is shared with the ID.2all. Apparently, around 80% of development costs are focused on this single area, helping to slash expenses dramatically. Another clever cost-saving trick? The front wing houses the charging port, bringing it closer to key electric powertrain components and reducing extra wiring and complexity.
It's also being produced in Portugal rather than Germany to keep costs down, as manufacturing in Germany is deemed too expensive. The same strategy applies to the ID.2, which is set to hit the roads in 2025 and will be built in Spain.
But the biggest saving might come from VW’s new-generation software architecture. They claim it will cut development time (and costs) down to just three years for an all-new model—or even as little as 24-26 months for a refresh, like a facelift or a new derivative. In short, VW is pinching pennies in all the right places to make the ID.1 as affordable as possible—now we just have to wait and see if they actually pull it off!
Volkswagen seems to have taken the recent challenges to heart, and there’s a renewed energy among its leadership. Throughout discussions with key executives, there’s a clear recognition that past missteps need to be addressed, and the company is focused on making the necessary corrections. While the European EV market remains unpredictable, the trajectory is clear—and VW is determined to reclaim its position at the forefront by 2030.
