Electric VW for the price of a small car

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It had been circulating for a long time as a rumor. But now VW is finally revealing more about the planned new small car, the Stromer. The production version of the ID.2all study will be launched in 2025 with front-wheel drive for less than 25,000 euros. This was announced by VW CEO Thomas Schäfer (52) at the unveiling of the five-door concept car in Hamburg.

In December 2022, they still had doubts about whether the price would be manageable given raw material and energy costs. But a possible inflation over the next two years is currently priced in: Had the car been fully developed today, it could be offered for around 22,000 euros.

everything in the beginning

But the real surprise is the design of ID.2all. About 18 months ago, VW demonstrated a study on a small electric car with the ID.2 Life. However, the wheeled pale box designed by former Skoda designer Jozef Kaban (50) came into conflict with Schäfer after he took office in September 2022. So new designer (Andreas Mindt, 54), new concept and everything from scratch.

It was worth it. ID of 4.05 meters long and 1.81 meters wide. 2all easily passes as the next generation of VW Polo. After the diesel scandal in 2015, VW broke everything down, even at what they did well in design. This is where the work begins again: unlike the ID.3, you’ll recognize it as a logoless VW.

Front engine creates space

The sweet side is the upright rear with square taillights and LED light strip. The massive C-pillar holding the body together is also typical. The work is not quite ready for mass production, but it is very close to mass production. According to VW development director Kai Grünitz (45), the proportions and dimensions are already precise – the necessary technology can be easily accommodated. But why just a little Stromer now? According to Grünitz, the same vehicle concept would have been possible five years ago: “You just didn’t want it.”

Also, technically everything will be different. The previous VW Stromer came with either rear or all-wheel drive, the production version of the ID.2all harks back to the Golf-specific front engine. This creates space for a large trunk with a loading volume of 490 to 1330 liters at the rear – 50 percent more than the current Polo. And with the Polo exterior dimensions, the interior should be as spacious as the high-end Golf.

Also the buttons instead of just the touchscreen

Two batteries are planned. VW does not want to reveal their capabilities yet – development is still ongoing. But they will come with fused cells but with two different chemistries. The more expensive one is said to have a range of up to 450 kilometers and is charged from ten percent to 80 percent in 20 minutes on a fast charger with a maximum charging capacity of 125 kilowatts (kW). With 226 hp (166 kW), the front engine is said to have more power than the current top version of the larger VW ID.

Inside, VW bids farewell to many relics from the era of former CEO Herbert Diess (64). The direction switch on the instrument housing is as outdated as minimal instruments or so-called sliders, where you can adjust the volume or climate with the touch of a finger. VW goes back to a few buttons on the center console and a rotating push-button wheel to operate the radio and navigation system. Finally – the trend towards the touchscreen, which looks cool but is annoying to use, seems to have been broken.

just the beginning

And how does it continue? For 2030, Schäfer is now targeting an 80 percent electric share of European VW sales, instead of the previous 70 percent. Ten new electric cars will arrive from VW by 2026. The production version of the ID.2 will start in 2025 – then we estimate a base price of around CHF 28,000 for Switzerland. There will also be an SUV based on ID.2 in 2026. An even smaller ID.1 will likely follow in 2027, with a target price of under €17,000. The design of all future Stromers should be identity based. 2 connect them all.

What should the bumpy name of the work be – ID.2all? Thomas Schäfer says he wants to offer “ID.2 to everyone, everyone.” Volkswagen must return to the meaning of its name, Volks-Wagen, put the customer in the focus and become a beloved brand. This ID.2 could be the first step in that direction.

Source: Blick