Volkswagen Has Teased The Entry Level EV Offering, New “ID.1” Aims To Replace The UP Hatchback
Volkswagen has teased its entry-level EV offering. The new model is intended to replace the discontinued VW Up Hatchback. Volkswagen has also revealed various details, such as a new platform, name, and what this would mean for the Indian Market.
Market Positioning
The new Volkswagen EV hatchback is expected to be positioned below the Volkswagen ID.2all Hatchback. The sources suggest that it will be called the Volkswagen ID. One or ID.1. It is expected that the new EV Hatchback will be a five-seater crossover with offroad-inspired body cladding to appeal to urban explorers. It will be one of nine models to appear by 2027.
The teaser showcased the model’s silhouette and characteristic LED Headlights with the illuminated VW logo. The DRLs are slim and capitalise on the VW Nostalgia from the mid-2000s.
Cross-Platform Use
This entry-level EV will be based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform. This means it’s shared with the ID.2all hatchback. However, it will be shorter than the ID.2all. The entry-level EV is expected to get a single-motor battery pack to save costs. It will be priced at Rs. 20 lakh. It is also expected that a similar form factor will translate into an equivalent model under the Skoda and Seat brand.
Volkswagen has not yet revealed the production facility where they would prefer to manufacture this particular model. With that said, VW will be manufacturing the ID.2X Crossover and ID.2all Hatchback at their plant in Spain alongside the Skoda Epiq and Cupra Raval SUVs.
India-Specific Platform In Works
There are no confirmations from VW as to launching this model in India. However, the German manufacturer is working on localising the CMP architecture, which could mean that we may see a model in due course of time. The platform, IMP (India Main Platform), is a derivative of the CMP (China Main Platform), which would help to deliver localised models catering to the unique demands of the South East Asian Markets.
