Volkswagen is preparing to make a significant entry into the affordable electric vehicle market with the unveiling of its first official teaser for the upcoming ID. One. Scheduled for launch in 2027 with a targeted starting price of €20,000, this new model is poised to fill the void left by the discontinued VW Up!, offering a compelling electric alternative for budget-conscious consumers.
Thomas Schafer, CEO of Volkswagen, has characterized the ID. One as an "affordable, high-quality, profitable electric Volkswagen from Europe for Europe," emphasizing the company's commitment to producing vehicles that meet the specific needs and expectations of the European market. He underscored Europe's position as the "Champions League of automobile manufacturing," highlighting the high standards and competitive landscape of the region. In a separate LinkedIn post, Schafer further fueled anticipation by announcing that a concept version of the EV will be unveiled in March, offering a glimpse into the final production model's design and features.
While Volkswagen has not officially confirmed the vehicle's name, it has been previously referred to as the ID. 1. However, the teaser image released by the company suggests that the final name may be ID.One. This new model will be strategically positioned below the upcoming production version of the ID.2all concept, which is slated for release a year earlier, in 2026, with a starting price of under €25,000. This tiered pricing strategy allows Volkswagen to cater to a broader range of customers in the entry-level EV segment.
The teaser image provides a tantalizing preview of the ID. One's front fascia and lighting signature, revealing design cues that share similarities with the 2021 VW ID.Life concept. It is anticipated that the ID. One will take the form of a five-door hatchback with a slightly raised ride height, giving it a subtle crossover-inspired appearance. The teaser image showcases headlights with distinctive 3D LED graphics integrated into a black grille, along with an illuminated VW emblem. Other notable design elements include slim daytime running lights (DRLs) on the front bumper and sculpted fenders, which hint at the presence of large-diameter alloy wheels. The teaser also offers a glimpse of the back of an infotainment display mounted on the dashboard, suggesting a modern and technologically advanced interior.
The ID. One will be built on a shorter version of the MEB platform, the modular electric drive matrix that also underpins the slightly larger ID.2all. Its compact dimensions suggest that it will likely be equipped with a smaller and more affordable battery pack, probably paired with a single electric motor to drive the front wheels. Beyond the Volkswagen brand, this same platform is expected to be utilized for similar entry-level EVs from Skoda and Seat. Sharing components across these brands will help to reduce production costs and enhance the affordability of these electric vehicles.
Despite the recent relocation of Golf production to Mexico, Thomas Schafer has reaffirmed that the Wolfsburg plant in Germany will remain the "heart of the Volkswagen brand in the electric age." This facility will be responsible for producing the next generations of the Golf and T-Roc, both high-volume electric vehicles. These models will be built on the new Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), utilizing what Schafer describes as an "entirely new production process," signaling a significant shift in manufacturing technology.
As part of its ambitious "biggest future-oriented plan in Volkswagen's history," the company has committed to launching nine new models in Europe by 2027, strategically expanding its product portfolio. Volkswagen's overarching goal is to become a "technologically leading volume manufacturer" globally by 2030, while simultaneously "optimizing cost structures" to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape. The ID. One represents a crucial step in this journey, demonstrating Volkswagen's commitment to democratizing access to electric mobility through affordable and high-quality vehicles.