Volkswagen has recently spotlighted its upcoming ID. EVERY1 show car, which marks a bold step towards democratizing electric vehicles with its attractive price tag of around $20,800 USD.

Amidst a flurry of promises from industry giants like Tesla regarding entry-level electric vehicles, VW stands out by moving forward with concrete plans to launch a line of budget-friendly cars, starting with the ID. EVERY1 and ID. 2all, currently targeted only for the European market.

The new ID. EVERY1, expected to begin production in 2027, is a compact hatchback that offers clever features such as a modular center console, similar to the ID. 2all which is set to start production a year earlier.

Both cars fall under VW’s new ‘Electric Urban Car Family,’ utilizing the front-wheel drive setup from the automaker’s versatile MEB platform, now in its second generation.

Performance wise, the ID. EVERY1 might not break records with its top speed of 81mph and a modest 94 horsepower electric motor.

Yet, it promises a decent range of about 155 miles on a charge, likely powered by a 35kWh battery. Despite its compact size, measuring significantly shorter than VW’s ID.4, the hatchback can accommodate four passengers and offers 10.8 cubic feet of trunk space.

Volkswagen is not just innovating in vehicle design but also in technology. The ID. EVERY1 will be the first to sport a new, more robust software architecture expected to enhance user experience with over-the-air updates, addressing the software issues that have plagued the ID family in the past.

Externally, the ID. EVERY1 draws on the minimalist, charming designs of VW’s earlier Up and Polo models, and integrates elements from the 2021 ID. Life concept, like the ‘flying roof’ which dips in the middle without compromising interior headroom.

In addition to vehicle development, VW is also navigating through cost reductions, having recently reached a union agreement in Germany to cut thousands of jobs and save billions annually.

This strategic cost management is crucial as VW prepares to compete not only with up-and-coming Chinese automakers but also with Hyundai, Kia, and possibly Ford and Tesla, all of whom are vying for a stake in the affordable EV market.

This move by Volkswagen could potentially reshape the EV landscape by making electric cars more accessible to a broader audience, though it’s still up in the air whether these models will hit the North American market amid current policy uncertainties.