Volkswagen has been on the electric scene for some time, but with the new ID.Every1 concept, the Germans have hit where it really counts – the wallet of the average European. If predictions are to be believed, this cute little electric car will cost around 20,000 euros in production, which puts it in the ring of affordable cars, where battles are being fought for buyers who want green mobility without a painful financial blow. But is the ID.Every1 really what Volkswagen – and all of us – need? Let's look under the hood of this story.
First impression? ID.Every1 is like a small electric Golf that has returned from the 70s with a modern twist. The straight waistline and black rear window trim hint at the first generation Golf, specifically the 1976 GTI, a move that will surely make nostalgic petrolheads' hearts race. But it's not a pure retro play - this car is modern, with rounded lines and the minimalist aesthetic that is typical of Volkswagen's ID family. Interestingly, the rear of the car strongly resembles the Scirocco, the one designed by Robert Lešnik years ago - with an elegant, slightly sloping tail line and sharp lights that give the impression that the car is ready to jump. Although the ID.Every1 is smaller, this rear profile adds a touch of sporty dynamism that is rare in this segment.
Dimensions? 3880 mm long, 1816 mm wide and 1490 mm high. For comparison: it is longer than the discontinued e-up! by a good 28 cm, but still shorter than the ID.2all concept by 17 cm. On 19-inch wheels it looks surprisingly confident for such a small car, although I dare say that most buyers will reach for smaller wheels – if only for the comfort and additional range. The production version will of course get the usual extras such as wipers, larger mirrors and parking sensors, which may dilute this concept purity a bit.
Interior: Practicality with Instagram potential
The ID.Every1's interior is what really impressed me. Despite its compact exterior, it promises space comparable to a classic Polo, thanks to clever packaging on the MEB-Small electric platform. Four passengers should ride comfortably, and the trunk is no joke at 305 liters - enough for a weekend trip or a week's worth of shopping.
Then there are the details that will make you smile from ear to ear. Between the seats you will find a removable Bluetooth speaker – perfect for a picnic by the lake. The sliding center console, which we know from the larger ID. Buzz, is a practical trick for customizing the space, and on the passenger side there is a rail where you can attach a tablet or a shelf that serves as a table. These are the little things that make the car pleasant to use, and Volkswagen is clearly targeting younger buyers here who want more than just a means of transportation.
But it's not all rosy. The large central touchscreen will run a new software architecture, the first of its kind from Volkswagen, which – to be honest – worries me a little. VAG's models have had quite a few infotainment issues in recent years, and while they promise "new features throughout the life of the car", I'm afraid that will mean subscription packages to unlock features. Fortunately, they've kept a separate digital display for the driver and a few physical buttons on the steering wheel, which is commendable in an age where everything is moving to screens.
What about under the skin?
The ID.Every1 is powered by a single electric motor on the front axle with power 94 horsepower, which is enough for a top speed of 130 km/h. It's not a race car, but it will be quite decent for city driving and occasional highway jumps. Volkswagen promises a minimum range 250 km (real-world range), which is not a record, but for a car aimed at city drivers and shorter distances, it is quite acceptable. The battery size has not been revealed yet, but I estimate it could be something between 30 and 35 kWh, which would fit these figures.
The platform is the proven MEB, adapted for smaller cars, which means the car will be technically related to the upcoming ID.2, which is expected next year. The ID.1 is scheduled to go into production in 2027, which in my opinion is the biggest mistake of this project – and more on that in a moment.
What does this mean for Slovenia?
Volkswagen is well established in Slovenia, from ID.3 to ID.4, and there's no reason why the ID.Every1 wouldn't find its way onto our roads. For 20,000 euros, it could be a real small revolution (minus subsidies), especially if the state continues to support electromobility with subsidies. Imagine: a city car that doesn't cost you a fortune (with a price tag of around 14,000 euros), with an eye-catching design, and enough range for daily needs. If VW can strike the right balance between price and quality, it could be a hit.
Biggest mistake? Coming to market too late
And here we come to the key point: the Volkswagen ID.Every1 is not expected to hit the market until 2027, which is at least two years too late. The competition in the affordable electric car space is getting fiercer – from the Renault 5 E-Tech to upcoming models from China, which are already aggressively grabbing market share. Volkswagen urgently needs this car if it wants to remain relevant in a segment where everything revolves around accessibility and practicality. In my humble opinion, the ID.Every1 should hit the roads before the end of 2025, otherwise it risks missing the train – and this at a time when electric cars are becoming mainstream faster than we ever imagined.
Final thought – VW is too late
The Volkswagen ID.Every1 is a concept that promises a lot – an affordable electric car that doesn’t look like a box on wheels, with a rear end that resembles the Nutcracker’s Scirocco, an interior that invites you to spend time in it, and technology that looks promising on paper. But as with any concept, there are still a few questions. Will the production version retain that charm? Will the new software work without lag? And last but not least, will Volkswagen really keep its promise on price?
For now, all I can say is this: If the ID.Every1 delivers on at least 80% of what it promises, it's a car I'd be happy to see on the road—and maybe even behind the wheel. But the timeline worries me. Volkswagen, the ball is in your court. Don't mess this up—and hurry up!
