Volkswagen has begun work on an all-new entry-level EV that will sit below the new ID 2 all EV hatchback. The new Volkswagen ID 1 will be the smallest model in the brand’s line-up of bespoke electric cars.

• VW ID 1 could be called Polo upon global launch
• Will have styling cues shared with upcoming VW Trinity EV sedan
• Expected to have 400km-plus range

Previously hinted at in a teaser sketch, it will use the new front-drive MEB First platform and will be one of four models – the ID 2, Cupra Urban Rebel and an entry-level Skoda model – built on the platform.

Volkswagen ID 1 EV details

The FWD MEB platform on which the ID 1 will sit will allow for more cost-effective lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, and the economies of scale planned in order to substantially reduce costs. The ID 1 will effectively twin with the new ID 2all, which will likely be slightly larger and take on more of a crossover appearance. That model will go on sale in 2026 in international markets.

The new ID 1 will be broadly similar in size to the combustion-engined latest-gen Polo (not on sale in India), and could potentially take that nameplate, in the same way that Volkswagen is planning to use the Golf and Tiguan monikers for future EVs.

The German carmaker gave a hint of what to expect from its most affordable EV with the quirky ID Life concept at the 2021 Munich motor show. But a new preview image suggests the design team has gone back to the drawing board to give the production version a stronger visual link to the Volkswagen Trinity sedan, which will go on sale at around the same time.

It has also been reported that Volkswagen designers were seeking to give the production version of the ID Life a more futuristic look and emphasise its digital functionality, with the aim of attracting younger buyers. A sketch shows that a sleeker, more muscular silhouette is the result, with an angular front end and characteristic ID cues, such as the horizontal front light bar, cementing its position in the expanding ID family.

Volkswagen ID 1 EV battery, expected range

The ID 1 is also expected to be offered with the same 243hp front-mounted motor and 57kWh battery as the concept to give a range of nearly 402km and a 0-100kph time of less than seven seconds. Overall, it will offer substantial performance, efficiency and functionality improvements over the Volkswagen e-Up, for which it will essentially serve as a replacement.