Volkswagen states that the new all-electric ID.1 will be a similar size to their current Polo.

Electric cars are expensive, there is no doubt about that. But with Tesla recently announcing a small, cheaper car, it seems Volkswagen has followed suit. The Polo-sized ID.1 is set to be released in 2025 and will be on their new MEB platform – a smaller, front wheel drive platform.

The car was originally due to be released this year but has been pushed back two years as VW focuses on their new ID.Buzz van. This ID.1 is set to sit under the claimed ID.2All – a small crossover planned to cost £22,500.

The car is set to be built in Spain, alongside the ID.2All, Cupra Urban Rebel and a new entry-level Škoda. The ID.1 will be the first of these models to use the new MEB platform which will allow for more cost-effective lithium iron phosphate batteries. Volkswagen is planning economies of scale will reduce the cost further.

However, with the car set to be released in 2025, it will prove to be difficult to honour the original £17,000 price. Brand boss, Thomas Schäfer stated that “we’re also working on a vehicle below €20,000 that will be even a bigger challenge. It’s part of our DNA where Volkswagen has also a commitment that we all have to embrace and we’re working on at full steam ahead. In the next couple of months we will be reporting on this.”

With the whole VW portfolio having to switch over to an electric format, the ID.1 could well use the Polo nameplate. We know that VW are expecting to use the Golf and Tiguan names down the line. Schäfer also said “The Polo is very successful and one of our icons, and we’re going to use that vehicle concept in the future as well. Whether we use the same name of the vehicle we don’t know yet, we’re currently working on those iconic names into the future to make sense of the product line-up.”

Regarding performance, it is expected to have the same 231bhp motor hooked up to a 57kW/h battery that the ID. Life concept used. The range is expected to be around 250 miles with a 0-60 time of under 7 seconds.

Time will tell if this new Volkswagen EV can actually reach the £17,000 planned price.