Volkswagen has unveiled the ID. Every1 concept, a compact electric hatch that previews the upcoming ID.1 production model. A production version is set to launch in Europe in 2027 with a starting price of around €20,000 (approx. $AU34,000) as the brand’s most affordable electric vehicle.
Compact dimensions and segment positioning
The ID. Every1 will slot below the upcoming ID.2, both in the Electric Urban Car Family range, based on Volkswagen’s new modular electric car platform with front-wheel-drive. At 3880mm long, 1490mm wide, and 1816mm high, it is shorter than the Volkswagen Polo but larger than a Kia Picanto.
Familiar design, future-proofed
As the spiritual successor the Volkswagen up!, the ID. Every1 draws design inspiration from it and other iconic Volkswagen hatches like the Polo and Golf. This concept does benefit from design cues that give it great visual presence like the flared wheel housings that house 19-inch wheels. While these will not make it to the production-version model, other elements like the large smooth surfaces for the bumpers, and contrast black elements connecting the headlamps and taillamps.
Interior and technology features
Inside, the concept offers seating for four, with seats upholstered largely in recycled materials. This compact electric hatchback will be somewhat practical too with a boot capacity of 305 litres — 54 litres more than the Volkswagen Up!.
The cabin highlights include a two-spoke, flat-top and flat-bottom steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, and a central touchscreen. Physical controls for climate, seat heating, and audio functions are retained (worth a small applause in our opinion), while the front passenger side of the dashboard can accommodate a tablet or optional shelf.
The centre console, mounted on a rail, can be repositioned to the rear passenger area, a design element inspired by the flexible interior layout of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. Overall, this cabin has typical minimalist elements of an electric car but does it in a familiar manner that still seems functional and appropriate for a small city car.
Performance and range
Powering the ID. Every1 is a front-mounted 70kW electric motor, with a targeted driving range of at least 250km under the European WLTP test cycle. In comparison, other small electric hatchbacks the Fiat 500e and Mini Cooper Electric have a WLTP range of more than 300km, but they do cost a lot more. Most of the top-selling electric hatchbacks are bigger in size (over four metres in length) and can house bigger batteries for more range, like the BYD Dolphin and MG 4.
Advanced software and lifecycle updates
Volkswagen has also confirmed the production ID.1 will debut an all-new software architecture, enabling over-the-air updates and new feature rollouts throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle. This marks a significant step forward in the brand’s digital capabilities.
Market availability and positioning
In the official announcement for the ID. Every1 Volkswagen does refer to being focussed on electric mobility ‘from Europe for Europe’, so it’s unclear if this one will ever make it to our shores. Volkswagen Australia has not yet confirmed local availability of the production version electric hatchback and as an import, it may not be able to carry a price tag of around $35,000 before on-roads which would make it less attractive anyway. Chinese brands are already ahead of the competition with value-for-money EVs here, like the MG 4, which already starts around $35,000 drive-away in Australia.
Globally, Volkswagen is expanding its electric vehicle portfolio, with nine new models expected to launch within the next two and a half years. The ID. Every1 represents the brand’s commitment to providing affordable electric mobility, complementing larger and more expensive EV offerings like the ID.4, ID.5, and ID. Buzz.
Volkswagen’s electric strategy in Australia
Currently, the only Volkswagen electric model available in Australia is the ID. Buzz, named Drive’s Best Family Electric Vehicle under $100K for 2025. The ID.4 and ID.5 electric SUVs are set to arrive for test drives in the coming months, with customer deliveries anticipated by mid-2025.
Volkswagen’s EV rollout in Australia has been delayed due to prioritisation of other markets with stricter emissions regulations. As the local EV market matures, Volkswagen’s expanding electric lineup is expected to play a key role in its sales strategy moving forward.
Global and local sales context
Volkswagen’s global EV sales reached 383,100 units in 2024, representing 8.9% of the brand’s total 4.3 million vehicle sales. The sale of EVs has been declining as a whole in Australia, with a 43.8 percent drop in year-on-year figures for February 2025.
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