Volkswagen teases interior of the affordable electric ID.1

Volkswagen is going back to its roots and calling on its long history of building popular small cars. The company is preparing to launch a new, budget-friendly electric vehicle called the ID.1. This compact EV promises to make electric mobility accessible to more people, with a starting price of around $22,000. Expected to hit the roads in 2027, the ID.1 is a breath of fresh air for urban transportation.

The company already offered a sneak peek into the interior of the ID.1 with the ID.EVERY1 concept car. Designed by Andy Mindt and his team, the interior creates a sense of spaciousness despite the car's small size. Warm colors and recycled materials contribute to an inviting and modern atmosphere, offering a lounge-like feel for both the driver and passengers.

Clever design elements maximize every bit of space in the new ID.1 - the dashboard is sleek and easy to use, with controls placed in a way that feels natural. Practical features include a flexible front passenger area and a removable Bluetooth speaker, adding to the car's everyday usefulness.

But beyond all its affordability and clever design, the ID.1 is a big step in a new direction for Volkswagen. It will be the company's first "software-defined vehicle." This means the car's technology and features will be heavily reliant on software, allowing for updates and new functions to be added throughout the vehicle's lifespan via over-the-air updates. This advanced software system is being developed in partnership with Rivian, an American EV maker. This collaboration has even sped up the ID.1's arrival, moving the launch up from the previously expected date of 2028 to 2027.

Volkswagen's CEO, Thomas Schäfer, sees the ID.1 as a crucial piece in the company's plan to offer a wide range of models in the mainstream car market. The ID.1, measuring 152.8 inches in length, will fit neatly into Volkswagen's lineup of compact vehicles. It will be built on a front-wheel-drive MEB platform and is expected to offer a driving range of at least 155 miles on a single charge based on WLTP testing standards.

To keep costs down, Volkswagen will manufacture the ID.1 in its plant in Portugal. While this factory is known for its efficiency, the company acknowledges that achieving profitable sales with an entry-level EV will still be a challenge. The ID.1 is part of a larger plan by Volkswagen to introduce nine new electric vehicles in the entry-level segment by 2027, with the ID.2all model launching before it.

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