Volkswagen has confirmed that it’s working on an affordable electric model set to launch in 2027.
Given the green light by both Thomas Schafer (the head of the Volkswagen brand) and Oliver Blume (chairman of the whole VW Group), the new car - so far referred to as the New Electric Vehicle or NEV - has been previewed by a silhouette image that shows it has short and tall proportions, similar to the outgoing VW Up!, and prominent wheel arches.
Prominent arches
Those arches give it something of a visual kinship to the upcoming VW ID.2, as designed by the current head of VW Design, Andreas Mindt. That ID.2 will kick off the first round of more affordable electric models from the group, including the Cupra Raval and Skoda Epiq, plus one other compact VW-badged crossover. All of these models are expected to be priced around € 25,000 and have maximum ranges of up to 400km.
Irish taxes and VRT
It’s important to note that these prices - both for the ID. 2-based models and the NEV - are European prices and don’t include Irish taxes or incentives. Generally speaking, thanks to the SEAI grant and VRT reductions, Irish EV prices tend to match European electric car costs fairly closely, but we don’t know how much those grants and incentives will be worth, if anything, come 2027.
Taking a pot-shot at China
In confirming the existence of the NEV, VW Group CEO Oliver Blume took a distinct shot across the bows of the encroaching Chinese brands, saying: “It’s about entry-level electric mobility from Europe for Europe.” Blume went on to underline the importance of an affordable electric model, not just for VW itself but for Europe as a whole.
European industry
“Generations of people associate the strong brands of the Volkswagen Group with their first car - and with affordable mobility,” said Blume. “As a group with strong brands, we continue to assume this social responsibility to this day. That's why I'm very pleased that we're launching a future-oriented project. In doing so, we combine a clear commitment to Europe as an industrial location, a European industrial policy and ultimately act in the interests of European customers.”
Promise of affordability
Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand and head of the Brand Group Core (which includes Skoda, SEAT, and Cupra), said: “The future is electric. In order for electromobility to become widespread, attractive vehicles are needed, especially in the entry-level segment. Our brand promise is: electromobility for all. This promise is now being fulfilled in the Brand Group Core. Despite the attractive price, our vehicles will set standards in the entry-level segment in terms of technology, design, quality, and customer experience. This task has become more demanding due to rising energy, material, and raw material costs. One thing is clear: electromobility from Europe for Europe can only succeed with political support and competitive framework conditions.”
That last point is a barb at the European Union and European governments, which have so far not been keen on subsidising and underwriting electric car development costs and charging networks to the same level as China.
Badged as a Seat?
While all of the €25,000 models will be built at the SEAT plant in Spain, it’s not known yet where the new €20,000 NEV will be made, although it is expected to be built and sold as a SEAT as well, potentially throwing an electric lifeline to the Spanish brand which had been thought to be on the way out, effectively replaced by Cupra. Volkswagen has also previously spoken about linking up with Renault, which has already shown a concept version of a new electric Twingo, to share the costs of developing and building a compact electric car.