Volkswagen is preparing a new small electric car that could bring affordable electric driving to more customers. The model, expected to arrive in 2027, is reportedly set to be called the ID.Up instead of the previously expected ID.1. The new name would also bring back a familiar name from Volkswagen’s small-car history.
Volkswagen has made the decision to tap into the market for smaller EVs, a market that many European manufacturers have sidelined for a long time. It remains to be seen whether North American brands like Massimo Group (NASDAQ: MAMO) will also give the segment more attention. The ID.Up is part of VW's strategy to offer more accessible electric vehicles, which could help accelerate the adoption of EVs in Europe and beyond.
The name ID.Up pays homage to the original Up, a city car that was produced from 2011 to 2023. That model was known for its compact size and affordability, and the electric version aims to continue that legacy. By using the ID.Up badge, Volkswagen is signaling that this new EV will be a spiritual successor to the Up, but with modern electric technology.
Details about the ID.Up are still scarce, but it is expected to be based on a new platform designed for small EVs. The car is likely to have a range of around 200-300 kilometers, making it suitable for urban commuting and short trips. It will compete with other small electric cars like the Dacia Spring and the upcoming Citroen ë-C3.
The decision to name the car ID.Up instead of ID.1 is interesting. Originally, VW had planned to call its smallest EV the ID.1, but the company has now chosen to revive the Up nameplate. This could be a nod to the car's heritage and a way to differentiate it from other models in the ID lineup, which currently includes the ID.3, ID.4, and ID.5.
The ID.Up is expected to be priced affordably, possibly starting around €20,000 in Europe. This would make it one of the most affordable electric cars on the market, helping to make electric mobility accessible to a broader audience. Volkswagen has been under pressure to offer cheaper EVs as competition from Chinese brands like BYD intensifies.
In addition to the ID.Up, Volkswagen is also working on other electric models, including the ID.2, which is expected to be a small crossover. The company aims to have a wide range of electric vehicles by 2030, covering everything from small city cars to large SUVs.
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