Cheaper EVs are finally on the way: Volkswagen confirms new ID.1 mini electric car to undercut the MG4, BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora – Car News

The world’s carmakers are finally getting ready to make electric cars affordable.

Volkswagen is the latest brand to confirm it’ll build a circa-$30,000 EV with its coming ID.1 hatchback.

That price puts it in the same ballpark as an entry-level Mazda3 or a fully-loaded Mazda2.

Chinese cars such as the GWM Ora, BYD Dolphin and MG4 are the only sub-$40,000 EVs in Australia.

Kia’s recently revealed EV3 SUV is due in Australia next year, but could will be closer to the $50,000 range.

The ID.1 is likely to be smaller than both those cars and in a similar vein to the VW Up, which was sold from 2012 to 2014 in Australia.

Volkswagen’s global boss Thomas Schafer said the brand’s promise is “electromobility for all”, according to UK publication Autocar.

“The future is electric. In order for electromobility to become widespread, attractive vehicles are needed, especially in the entry-level segment,” said Schafer.

Volkswagen is targeting a €20,000 ($32,000) price-tag for the mini hatchback.

It is expected to enter production in 2027 for Europe.

It will sit under the VW Polo-sized ID.2, which is likely to be priced at less than €25,000 ($41,000), and the larger Golf-sized ID.3 that is due in Australia in 2025.

The ID.2 will spawn models from sister brand Skoda and Cupra and an SUV version, which was previewed by the ID.2all concept.

VW showed off the ID.GTI concept at the 2023 Munich motor show, which is based on the ID.2.

Chief Designer Andreas Mindt said at the time the show car was “more than 90 per cent representative” of the production version.

It is believed the ID.GTI will enter production from 2027.

The ID.4 has been delayed until the end of the year for Australia.

Volkswagen has yet to launch an electric car in Australia and has again delayed the arrival of the ID.4 and ID.5 electric mid-size SUV.

Those two were expected in the middle of this year but are more likely towards the end of the year now.

Volkswagen Australia General Manager of Marketing and Product Ralph Beckmann told CarsGuide the delay could bring price benefits, though.

“We want to launch with a solid price position that we don’t have to slash two months down the track and it will be worth it.”

These SUV twins will be followed by the ID.Buzz, a modern take on the Kombi van.

It will be available as a people-mover and as a commercial cargo van.