The Volkswagen group is moving closer to large-scale production of entry-level electric cars with the confirmation that VW, Skoda and Cupra - the sports arm of Seat - will all begin producing them within the next four years.
VW has already previewed the version on which the other two companies will base their cars, although Skoda and Seat will be aiming to design theirs to fit their respective market profile.
All are intended to appeal to younger buyers and, while VW and Skoda will stay mainstream, the Cupra Urban Rebel will be low-slung and very much sports car oriented. Seat itself will also get a version for its own range.
The good news is that the proposed Volkswagen ID 2 is being developed with an intended market price of 20,000 Euros on the European market. You can expect Irish vehicle registration tax to add to that price, but perhaps not too significantly if the government gets behind further incentivising small electric cars.
VW will likely be first to market with a production version of its concept ID 2. This will be a VW Polo-sized car and all three brands will be using new battery technology - lithium-iron-phosphate units that are said to be 50 per cent cheaper than current electric car batteries. The range is expected to be up to 400 kilometres.
"In creating this car…., we have consistently focused on the needs of younger customers. We believe that, even more so than today, the car of the future will be about lifestyle and personal expression. The customer of tomorrow won't simply want to get from A to B; they will be much more interested in the experiences that a car can offer, says Ralf Brandstatter, VW’s CEO.
