Its no secret that Volkswagen has been facing a huge slump in sales in Europe and China, forcing it to close plants in Germany.
But unlike other European automakers who have stuck to producing high-end electric vehicles (EVs), the German automaker keeps on reaffirming its commitment to bringing affordable EVs to market, including in the U.S.
Recommended Videos And that commitment starts with VWs most-affordable EV model to date, the ID.2: Volkswagen remains committed to launching the EV by the end of 2025 or early 2026, Kai Grnitz, head of tech development, told Autocars at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Related Last year, the automaker launched the ID.2all concept, promising an entry-level EV with prices starting under $27,000.
For long-time VW fans, the EV is being promoted as being spacious as a Golf and affordable as a Polo. Its also expected to allow up to 279 miles range on a full battery.
The design and the interior of the ID.2 promises a trip down memory lane, including driver displays straight out of the VW Beetle and Golf eras.
In addition, an ID.2 SUV is slated to be unveiled in September 2025, while a GTI version is also being developed.
Meanwhile, its clear that Volkswagen wants to hammer in that affordable is the keyword for its EV strategy. VW CEO Larry Blume has alsohinted at a sub-$22,000 EV to be released after 2025. All in all, the automaker says its planning to realease 8 new affordable EVs by 2027.
The price of batteries is one of the main hurdles to reduce EV production costs and lower sale prices. To that end, VW is developing its own unified battery cellin several European plants, as well as one plant in Ontario, Canada.
Yet, now that Chinese-made EVs, known as global leaders in terms of affordability, are facing 100% tariffs both in North America and in Europe, only a few automakers seem to be interested in selling ever-cheaper EVs in the U.S.
General Motors has already put out its Chevy Equinox EV ata price of $27,500, including federal tax credits.
Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has recently put a floor on expectations for a regular Tesla model ever selling for $25,000.
Trump administration prepares to end Bidens EV tax incentive, report says Rivian R2 EV’s new LG battery boosts storage capacity sixfold Volkswagen plans 8 new affordable EVs by 2027, report says Volkswagen ID.7 shows not every EV needs to be an SUV Volkswagen ID. Buzz prototype first drive: Here comes your van