Volkswagen’s New Affordable Electric Vehicle May Be Named ID. UP
A new trademark registration reveals the potential name for the German automaker's upcoming entry-level EV.
Volkswagen’s New Strategy for Affordable EVs
Volkswagen is actively preparing to launch its most affordable electric vehicle by 2027. The German automaker aims to create a model with a starting price of approximately €20,000. Details surrounding the project, which were previously kept secret, were revealed by a new trademark registration. At the end of October, the company registered the name "ID. UP" with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and relevant German authorities, suggesting this will be the official name of the upcoming "urban" electric vehicle.
Technical Specifications and Design
The new model will join Volkswagen’s "Electric Urban Car Family" and will be positioned in size between the ID. Polo and the classic Up!. The vehicle will measure 3,880 millimetres in length, which, despite its compact nature, allows for four passengers and a 305-litre trunk. Technically, the model will be equipped with a 37 kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery to help optimise costs. The car will be able to cover at least 250 kilometres on a single charge, while a 70 kW (94 horsepower) electric motor will allow it to reach a top speed of 130 km/h.
Collaboration with Rivian and Software
The ID. UP will be one of the first models to use the new zonal software architecture (SDV - Software-Defined Vehicle) developed by the joint venture between Volkswagen and Rivian. This system will allow the vehicle to receive regular over-the-air (OTA) updates and support advanced automated driving features. This approach is part of the company's strategy, which includes the launch of nine new models by 2027.
What This Means for Consumers
Although this new Volkswagen model is designed for the European market and will not appear in the United States, it represents a significant milestone in the mass accessibility of electric vehicles. The €20,000 price point, which CEO Thomas Schäfer described as the "last piece of the puzzle," could prove decisive for urban mobility. For consumers in Georgia who import vehicles from the European market, the emergence of such affordable and technologically advanced models will positively impact the future availability and selection of electric vehicles.