Volkswagen unveils the ID 2, an affordable EV concept with a range of 279 miles

Volkswagen introduced its long-awaited and affordable electric car on Wednesday, the ID 2 all concept with a range of 450 km (279 miles).

Introducing the all-electric Volkswagen ID 2 concept

Having doubled down on its electric vehicle strategy with a new investment of nearly $200 billion (€180 billion) to accelerate digital transformation and the development of electric vehicles over the next five years, Volkswagen is moving forward with a new EV concept.

Volkswagen delivered more than 570,000 electric vehicles last year, maintaining its position as the BEV market leader in Europe, yet the automaker believes it is well positioned for future growth with several new vehicle releases on deck.

To fend off competition coming from Tesla and many other companies, Volkswagen introduced its economical electric car, the id 2 each conceptat a cost of less than $27,000 (25,000 euros).

The ID 2all is as roomy as its Golf model and inexpensive as the Polo that sits below the recently upgraded ID. 3, with a range of up to 279 miles (450 km) and many new features. Volkswagen Cars CEO Thomas Schäfer explains:

We are rapidly and fundamentally transforming the company – with the clear goal of making Volkswagen a genuine brand to love. Personal achievement. 2 shows everything where we want to take the brand. We want to be close to customers and offer the best technology combined with great design. We are carrying out transformation at a rapid pace to bring electric mobility to the masses.

Volkswagen’s affordable electric vehicle will be based on its new modular electric drive (MEB) platform, called the MEB Entry Platform, and will be the first vehicle to be based on a front-wheel drive system.

Initial plans called for a VW ID. The LIFE concept is the first affordable electric car based on the new platform designed for the smaller auto segment, but those plans appear to have been tossed aside.

Interior and exterior design

The exterior is inspired by Volkswagen classics like the Beetle and Golf, while previewing a new design language from the automaker.

On the outside, the ID 2all featured a “sharp, muscular” stance with powerful fender flares covering a wide track, long wheelbase and short overhangs combined with a clean front end.

Volkswagen recently brought back former Bentley and Audi designer Andreas Mindt as chief design officer for Volkswagen Cars, who says the Volkswagen ID 2all concept rests on three pillars – stability, impressiveness and enthusiasm.

One of the most notable elements of the new interior is the C-pillar design developed for the first Golf. As such, the interior has a spacious and high-quality feel.

The 12.9″ touchscreen has a new menu structure with a separate air conditioning control panel underneath. In addition, the new multifunction steering wheel is simple, with two thumb wheels and buttons on both sides.

Powered by a “powerful electric motor”, id. 2 all with 222 hp (166 kW) and 226 hp, achieving 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) in less than seven seconds.

Volkswagen says its new electric car can be charged to 80% in less than 20 minutes, though details are not given.

Although the ID 2 is considered a concept car, Volkswagen says it will unveil the production version of the ID 2 all over European markets in 2025 with the aim of starting at less than €25,000.

The automaker now plans for at least one in five cars sold globally to be electric by 2025, with the production version of the ID 2 one of ten electric cars VW has launched by 2026.

This year Volkswagen will introduce the new identifier. 3, ID. Buzz and ID. 7, which will be followed by a compact electric SUV in 2026.

Take Electric

Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that Volkswagen has plans to bring the ID 2all concept to the United States. But the good news is that Volkswagen plans to bring it into production.

The real question would be: Can they produce it at the price they say they are? Or perhaps, more importantly, could they produce it profitably at that price?

A good-looking electric car with nearly 300 miles of range from a Volkswagen brand under $27,000 would sell well in my opinion.