According to media reports, Volkswagen's most affordable electric vehicle, the ID.2, is indeed in existence, and the company is currently testing this model. The ID.2 is priced affordably at less than €25,000 (approximately $27,500), with a price point comparable to the Polo, but offering interior space as spacious as the Golf.
Volkswagen unveiled the concept of the ID.2 a year ago, and now, the company has begun testing its most affordable electric vehicle.
In response to the low-cost electric vehicles introduced by Tesla and Chinese automakers, Volkswagen launched the ID.2all concept in March last year, positioning it below the ID.3, with a starting price set to be under €25,000. Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, stated that this electric vehicle "shows the future of the Volkswagen brand."
The ID.2 will be based on an upgraded version of Volkswagen's MEB platform, which currently underpins Volkswagen's ID models, as well as Ford's electric Explorer and the new Capri electric vehicle for the European market. The ID.2 is expected to offer a WLTP range of up to 279 miles (approximately 450 kilometers).
In terms of exterior design, Volkswagen has drawn inspiration from its iconic Golf and Beetle models, while incorporating modern elements suited for the electric era. This design hints at a new design language for Volkswagen vehicles. With the design of the production model now complete, Volkswagen's design chief Andreas Mindt stated that the ID.2 looks "even better" than the concept version.
Prior to its official debut, a production version of the ID.2 was spotted testing on the famous Nürburgring track.
Volkswagen previously announced that the launch of its anticipated electric vehicle, the Trinity, would be delayed until 2032. Meanwhile, the long-awaited electric version of the Golf could be brought forward to 2029 or even earlier.
Volkswagen is expected to unveil the production version of the ID.2 in late 2025 or early 2026. Following this, Volkswagen plans to release a crossover SUV model as it aims to secure a strong position in the future electric vehicle era.
Recently, Volkswagen also partnered with electric vehicle startup Rivian, which is expected to help accelerate Volkswagen's development in electric vehicle software. German media reports indicate that Volkswagen's MEB platform will be upgraded to MEB+ in 2026, coinciding with the release of the ID.2.
With Rivian's assistance, the software platform of the new Porsche Macan EV, which is based on the PPE platform, will undergo upgrades within the next 36 months.
