Volkswagen ID.1 Teased – The Affordable £16,600 EV
Volkswagen is making electric cars more accessible than ever with the ID.1 concept, a small, budget-friendly EV designed for everyday drivers who want to go electric without breaking the bank.
With a starting price expected to be around £16,600 ($21,000), the VW ID.1 could become one of the cheapest mainstream electric cars available—making it a serious rival to petrol-powered city cars and a game-changer for first-time EV buyers.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes the ID.1 special, how Volkswagen plans to keep costs down, and why this could be the perfect EV for urban drivers.
Volkswagen ID.1: A No-Nonsense, Affordable EV
Volkswagen’s ID. range has already given us cars like the ID.3, ID.4, and ID. Buzz, but these models still come with a higher price tag.
The ID.1, however, is designed for people who want a simple, practical, and affordable electric car—something that doesn’t need a huge battery, loads of high-tech features, or a luxury badge. Instead, it’s built to replace small city cars like the VW Up! and Polo with an efficient, low-cost EV alternative.
What We Know So Far About the VW ID.1
🔋 Battery Range: Expected 150–200 miles per charge
⚡ Charging: Fast charging support for quick top-ups
🏙️ Size: Small, perfect for city driving and short trips
💰 Price: Estimated at £16,600 ($21,000)
♻️ Sustainability: Likely made with eco-friendly materials
The goal is simple—an EV that’s easy to own, easy to charge, and easy on the wallet.
How Will Volkswagen Keep the ID.1 So Affordable?
Making an electric car at this price point is no small feat, but Volkswagen has a few tricks up its sleeve to keep costs down while still delivering a great EV.
1. A Smaller, More Efficient Battery
- Instead of a massive, expensive battery, the ID.1 will likely use a smaller pack that offers around 150–200 miles of range.
- This makes sense—most city drivers don’t need 300+ miles of range, and a smaller battery means a lower price.
2. A More Cost-Effective Platform
- The ID.1 will be based on VW’s MEB-Small platform, a simplified version of the electric architecture used in the ID.3 and ID.4.
- This helps keep production costs down while still offering modern tech and solid performance.
3. Manufacturing in Lower-Cost Regions
- Volkswagen is expected to build the ID.1 in Spain or Eastern Europe, where production is cheaper than in Germany.
- This helps keep the starting price competitive with petrol-powered cars.
4. Keeping It Simple—No Unnecessary Luxury Features
- To keep the price as low as possible, VW will likely skip high-end extras like leather seats, panoramic sunroofs, and large digital dashboards.
- Instead, the focus will be on a smart, minimalist interior with touchscreen controls, smartphone connectivity, and essential driver assistance features.
By cutting out unnecessary luxuries, Volkswagen can offer a no-nonsense, affordable EV that gets the job done.
How Does the ID.1 Compare to Other Small EVs?
With an estimated price of £16,600, the ID.1 is set to be one of the most affordable EVs on the market. Here’s how it compares to some of its closest rivals:
| Model | Estimated Price | Range | Fast Charging (10-80%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen ID.1 | £16,600 | 150-200 miles | ~30 mins |
| Dacia Spring EV | £18,000 | 140 miles | 30-40 mins |
| Fiat 500e | £22,000 | 199 miles | 35 mins |
| Mini Electric | £28,000 | 145 miles | 36 mins |
| Renault 5 EV | £25,000 | 200+ miles | 35 mins |
Why the ID.1 Stands Out
✅ Cheaper than most competitors while offering similar range
✅ Fast-charging support, making city driving more convenient
✅ A trusted brand with Volkswagen’s reliability and solid resale value
With EV incentives and tax breaks, the ID.1 could become even more affordable for buyers switching from petrol cars.
Who Should Consider the VW ID.1?
This budget-friendly EV is designed for:
✔️ First-time EV buyers looking for a simple, affordable electric car
✔️ City commuters who don’t need long-range driving
✔️ Young drivers and students wanting a low-cost, eco-friendly car
✔️ Budget-conscious car owners looking for an alternative to small petrol cars
The ID.1 is all about practicality, efficiency, and affordability, making it the perfect car for everyday driving.
When Will the Volkswagen ID.1 Be Available?
While Volkswagen has teased the ID.1 concept, it’s still in development. Here’s the expected timeline:
Concept Teased: 2024
Production Model Reveal: Late 2025
Manufacturing Begins: 2026
First Deliveries: Mid-to-late 2026
That means we’ll have to wait a little longer before the ID.1 officially hits the road, but more details should emerge in the coming months.
Final Thoughts: Is the VW ID.1 the Affordable EV We’ve Been Waiting For?
The Volkswagen ID.1 has the potential to bring electric driving to the masses. With a low price, simple design, and practical range, it could become the go-to EV for budget-conscious drivers who want to make the switch to electric.
While we’re still waiting on official specs and features, one thing is clear—Volkswagen is serious about making EVs more affordable for everyone.
If you’ve been holding out for a budget-friendly electric car, the VW ID.1 might be the perfect fit. Stay tuned for more updates as Volkswagen gears up to launch this game-changing EV!