Volkswagen have revealed the VW ID. 2all (don’t ask me what the “all” is supposed to signify) — their smallest electric car, and also the first FWD on the MEB electric car platform.
As for the ID.2 it’s Volkswagen going back to their 'people car roots'. This is the start of a new design language based on 3 pillars of “stability, likeability and enthusiasm”. The interior is wonderfully minimalist with two screens but they’ve learnt their lessons from the ID.3 and have brought back the physical volume control and separate air-con block (and, I’m guessing, a better operating system)
Similar to how the MQB-A0 was localised for India, same can (and should!) be done for the MEB. Skoda-VW are clear their existing ICE platforms will not be made into EVs (like the Tata Nexon & the Mahindra XUV400), rather they will do born electrics. While ID.4 is coming to India (as a CBU) that’ll be too expensive. Skoda-VW need mass market EVs and this could be where it starts! With an electric Polo! And with the Taigun, Volkswagen have showed they’re happy to use unique nameplates to suit local markets.
The powertrain puts out 223bhp and has a range of 450km. Both of which can be toned down for the (cheaper) India-specific car. And with ten new electric models that Volkswagen have confirmed for launch by 2026, this should arrive in India in 2-3 years.
Targeted price in Europe is around ₹22 lakh (with launch in 2025) but there will be more affordable versions with VW saying they are “working on an electric car at a price of less than 20,000 euros”. Of course I am speculating. Instead of Polo this could be called ID.Golf. After all the C-pillar design is inspired from the first Golf.
And then there’s the Skoda-VW dynamic (or tussle depending on how you view it!) in India. Skoda are now globally in charge of the further development of the MQB-A0 platform and India is a HUGE part of that story. Except VW are yet to commit to the India 2.5 plan that envisages a compact SUV apart from other body styles — VW would rather move to India 3.0 and focus on electric cars . But for either plan to work in India, Skoda & VW have to work together to get the necessary economies of scale. Who gives in? Internal power struggles are always great to watch from the outside! VW’s new CEO Thomas Schäfer made a telling statement: “We are transforming the company rapidly and fundamentally – with the clear objective of making Volkswagen a genuine Love Brand.”
Wouldn’t you love the Polo EV based on this?