Volkswagen has teased a truly affordable EV for years (the ID.3 was originally going to be that model), but now it’s finally ready to make that machine a reality. The company has revealed an ID.2all concept previewing a production compact car priced under €25,000 (about $26,000). It should be significantly cheaper than the second-gen ID.3 (€39,995 in Germany), but it won’t be as compromised as you might think.
The ID.2all is based on an upgraded "MEB entry" Platform that promises more performance than you would expect from an electric vehicle of this size. The front-wheel drive car will pack a 223 horsepower engine for a 62 MPH sprint in under seven seconds, and it should have an estimated range of 280 miles. It’s also expected to take just 20 minutes to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent. While there are clearly faster, longer-range electric vehicles out there, VW’s offering is more capable than alternatives like the Mini Cooper SE.
And as with many electric vehicles, moving away from internal combustion engines allows for significantly more interior space. VW takes up as much space as a Golf, although priced closer to the Polo supermini. The trunk isn’t huge at 17 cubic feet, but the automaker claims it surpasses some larger cars. You don’t have to make huge compromises when it comes to technology either, as VW promises Travel Assist, an EV route planner and smart lighting.
The ID.2all production is scheduled to debut in Europe in 2025. Unfortunately, we wouldn’t expect a North American release. Compact cars have been losing ground to crossovers and SUVs in the region for years, and VW’s American subsidiary only sells the sportier Golf GTI and Golf R in this category. Like it or not, you’ll probably have to settle for an ID.4 settle for if you want a reasonably sized VW EV on this side of the Atlantic.
Nevertheless, the ID.2all is an important car for both VW and the industry. It should play a key role in an accelerated electrification strategy in which VW will launch ten new electric vehicles by 2026, including the ID.7 sedan. This will also help the brand fend off competition from competing cars like the Renault Zoe (€35,100 in its native France). And more importantly, this is part of a broader trend to make lower-priced electric vehicles that don’t feel like big compromises. Chevy’s Equinox EV is poised to cost $30,000 when it arrives this fall, and Tesla is still clinging to dreams of a $25,000 model. Even if these cars are priced above internal combustion engines, they should support the transition from electric vehicles to the mainstream.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/vws-id2all-compact-ev-will-cost-under-%E2%82%AC25000-when-it-arrives-in-2025-194635295. html?src=rss
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