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By Nick Godt Published November 24, 2024 1:35 PM
Image used with permission by copyright holder
It’s no secret that Volkswagen has been facing a huge slump in sales in Europe and China, forcing it to close plants in Germany.
But unlike other European automakers who have stuck to producing high-end electric vehicles (EVs), the German automaker keeps on reaffirming its commitment to bringing affordable EVs to market, including in the U.S.
And that commitment starts with VW’s most-affordable EV model to date, the ID.2: Volkswagen remains committed to launching the EV by the end of 2025 or early 2026, Kai Grünitz, head of tech development, told Autocars at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Last year, the automaker launched the ID.2all concept, promising an entry-level EV with prices starting under $27,000.
For long-time VW fans, the EV is being promoted as being “spacious as a Golf” and “affordable as a Polo”. It’s also expected to allow up to 279 miles range on a full battery.
The design and the interior of the ID.2 promises a trip down memory lane, including driver displays straight out of the VW Beetle and Golf eras.
In addition, an ID.2 SUV is slated to be unveiled in September 2025, while a GTI version is also being developed.
Meanwhile, it’s clear that Volkswagen wants to hammer in that ‘affordable’ is the keyword for its EV strategy. VW CEO Larry Blume has also hinted at a sub-$22,000 EV to be released after 2025. All in all, the automaker says it’s planning to realease 8 new affordable EVs by 2027.
The price of batteries is one of the main hurdles to reduce EV production costs and lower sale prices. To that end, VW is developing its own unified battery cell in several European plants, as well as one plant in Ontario, Canada.
Yet, now that Chinese-made EVs, known as global leaders in terms of affordability, are facing 100% tariffs both in North America and in Europe, only a few automakers seem to be interested in selling ever-cheaper EVs in the U.S.
General Motors has already put out its Chevy Equinox EV at a price of $27,500, including federal tax credits.
Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has recently put a floor on expectations for a regular Tesla model ever selling for $25,000.
Nick Godt has covered global business news on three continents for over 25 years.
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