Volkswagen's Entry-level EV to Debut in 2027, Will Rival Citroen eC3

Volkswagen's entry-level electric vehicle (EV), likely to be called the ID.1, will make its global debut in 2027. The Volkswagen ID.1 will 'be close to the Up regarding the usage of that car,' according to Volkswagen's head of technical development Kai Grunitz. A replacement for the Up electric hatchback which officially retired in 2023, the entry-level Volkswagen EV will be positioned in the minicar segment. For those unaware, the Volkswagen Up was in production for about 12 years, becoming one of the oldest cars offered by the German carmaker Volkswagen. 

Apart from being the successor to the Up, the Volkswagen ID.1 will likely be offered as a smaller and more affordable alternative to the ID.2 Volkswagen previewed in March 2023 through an ID.2 all concept. Based on Volkswagen's MEB Entry platform, the ID.2 will slot below the ID.3 in Volkswagen's global lineup. Volkswagen intends to price this machine below €25,000 (approx. Rs 22 lakh) when it goes on sale in Europe in 2026.

???? Yes, we will offer #electric cars for EUR 20,000.

???? To be launched in 2027: we are pushing
for all-electric, entry-level #mobility.

We will set standards:
✅ Technology
✅ Affordability
✅ Design & Quality

From Europe, for Europe! pic.twitter.com/YbQjVvKGiV

— Volkswagen Group (@VWGroup) May 28, 2024

Also Read: Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Record 15 Lakh Cumulative Production Milestone

Meanwhile, the Volkswagen ID.1 is scheduled to be priced at €20,000 (roughly Rs 18 lakh), sitting below the ID.2 hatchback. It will take inspiration from the Up EV and could carry the same name when it makes its way to Europe. Upon arrival, the Volkswagen ID.1 will get a rival in the form of the Citroen eC3, also available in the Indian market. 

Unlike the Volkswagen ID.2, the entry-level ID.1 will be underpinned by a bespoke platform to keep production costs down. At its price, we do not expect a lot of tech and connectivity functions. Volkswagen's tech boss says people need a car that fits their demands in that price bracket; they do not need 'high-end technology within these cars'.   

Being a battery-powered city car, the Volkswagen ID.1 will require no long-range batteries or 200kW fast-charging capabilities. There is no word on Volkswagen bringing this entry-level EV to our market.

Skoda Compact EV Confirmed For India by 2025

In February 2024, Skoda Auto India confirmed the launch of its new compact SUV in March 2025. Unnamed as of now, the sub-4m SUV will be based on the MQB A0-IN platform that serves as the backbone of the Kushaq, although with a shorter wheelbase. 

Also Read: Skoda Compact SUV Spied Testing Again Ahead of India Launch; Shows Shorter Wheelbase and More

As for its design, the Compact EV will carry over some elements from the company's Modern Solid design language. The vehicle will get the brand's signature grille, split LED headlamps with daytime running lights, a large air vent, a muscular bonnet, beefy wheel arches, and roof rails.