Volkswagen reveals ultra-affordable entry-level EV in 2026 – but is it the ‘spiritual successor’ to an iconic model?
VOLKSWAGEN has revealed it will introduce a new ultra-affordable, entry-level EV in 2026, set to be the “spiritual successor” of an iconic model.
The new motor, dubbed the I.D.1 is expected to follow the £21,000 I.D.2 and compete with rivals like the Renault Twingo and Citroen e-C3.
The German brand confirmed that development is underway and showed off some initial sketches, emphasising their focus on producing a low-cost alternative to the rest of the I.D. range.
Kai Grünitz, VW’s head of technical development, stated that the new car will be introduced “several years before the end of the decade”, with AutoCar reporting that 2026 is the likely landing date.
He said: “You need a smaller car that’s affordable for the broader customer base.
“We have to go in that direction to convince our customers that EV is the right way.
“You need a car that really fits the customer demands in that price class. You don’t need high-end technology within these cars.”
It is believed to be based on the I.D.2’s existing platform but what really set tongues wagging is the suggestion that it could “channel the spirit” of one of the company’s most beloved models.
Rumour is that the I.D.1 will revive much of the design and potentially even the namebadge of the e-UP.
The e-UP, along with its petrol counterpart the UP, was discontinued after 12 years at the end of last year, with the last ones rolling off the production line at the Bratislava, Slovakia plant in December.
However, Grünitz stopped short of confirming that the I.D.1 represented the UP’s comeback.
And he also remained tight-lipped concerning reports that VW could be teaming up with Renault for the development phase, saying: “We’re looking at several different ways: doing it on our own, doing it with [Volkswagen Group sibling brands] Cupra and Skoda, doing it with external partners
“Everything has advantages or disadvantages, and in the end we will see where we’re at.”
Any potential partnership will have to be carefully considered, especially after a similar attempt between GM and Honda aiming to rival Tesla was abandoned amid concerns over profitability in October.
It comes after the world’s first pothole repair robot, which uses AI to spot and fill the craters, hit UK roads.