Volkswagen previews its €20,000 EV for everyone
As promised, Volkswagen unveiled its upcoming entry-level electric vehicle at an event on Wednesday in Wolfsburg, Germany. The automaker describes the ID.EVERY1 concept car as a "smart, flexible and affordable" EV for the masses… as long as those masses live in Europe. The production version is expected to start at around €20,000 (US$21,583) when it arrives in 2027.<br /> The car joins the ID.2all and sport version of the ID.GTI in using Volkswagen's MEB modular platform, which is designed to be flexible enough to support everything from compact cars like the wee ID.EVERY1 to bulkier SUVs. The company plans to roll out four electric models (including this one) based on the front-wheel drive version of the platform by 2027.<br /> In addition, Volkswagen says the ID.EVERY1 will be its first model to run on a "fundamentally new, particularly powerful software architecture," which sounds like the fruit of its $5 billion partnership with Rivian, announced last year. The automaker describes the (unconfirmed but probably Rivian-based) platform as making the concept car more future-proof, allowing it to be "equipped with new functions throughout its entire life cycle."<br /> Volkswagen<br /> As a budget EV, its specs won't make your jaw drop but could still hit a nice balance point for price-conscious buyers. The concept car can reach over 80 mph (130 km/h), thanks to its 70 kW (94 horsepower) electric drive motor. Volkswagen rates it for a range of at least 155 miles (250 km). The compact EV is a mere 12.7 ft. long, placing it between the automaker's now-retired up! (11.8 ft.) and the ID.2all (13.3 ft.). The ID.EVERY1 has room for four and a cargo volume of 10.8 cubic feet.<br /> As for its cute appearance, Volkswagen Head of Design Andreas Mindt said, "Our ambition was to create something bold yet accessible. The ID. EVERY1 has a self-assured appearance but remains likeable – thanks to details such as the dynamic front lights and the 'smiling' rear. These design elements make it more than just a car: they give it character and an identity that people can relate to."<br /> If this sounds like the budget car of your dreams, well, you'd better live in Europe, or you're probably out of luck. Volkswagen describes the ID.EVERY1 as being "from Europe for Europe," which sure doesn't like it translates to America-bound.<br /> You can get a better look for yourself in the gallery below.<br /> <br /> This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/volkswagen-previews-its-%E2%82%AC20000-ev-for-everyone-211053623.html?src=rss