VW says entry EV to start at 20,000 euros

The Volkswagen brand has revealed a crossover-styled concept previewing a small electric car based on parent VW Group’s MEB platform ahead of sales planned for 2025.

The ID Life was unveiled at the IAA Munich auto show on Monday

The production car will use an adapted version of the MEB platform, with the wheelbase shortened to about 2500 mm (about 98 inches) from 2770 mm for the ID3 compact, VW said.

The ID Life “captures our key competencies in electrification, software integration, quality and premium appeal,”  VW brand CEO Ralf Brandstaetter said during the car’s presentation.

The production version will cost 20,000 to 25,000 euro, Brandstaetter said.

The scaling of MEB platform to include small cars and resulting cost savings was the “the key to entering 20,000 euro pricing segment,” he added.

The shortened MEB platform would also provide small electric models for both Skoda and Seat’s Cupra upscale brand, he said, adding that the small car family would “most likely” be built in Spain.

“We also intent to localize battery production there,” he said.