Volkswagen has unveiled the new electric ID.Polo model, which will hit the market next summer for less than 25,000 euros. It is the first model based on the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform, developed by Volkswagen for electric vehicles. The German company stated that it has developed a new generation of electric motors and batteries with higher energy capacity, which reduces energy consumption and costs.
Among the car's features is the one-pedal driving function, popular among electric vehicle drivers. Currently, the model is presented as a prototype in bright colors. Volkswagen promises that the ID.Polo will be the most affordable German electric car. The company is returning to trusted names instead of numeric indices and is also abandoning touch-sensitive controls in favor of physical buttons and switches.
Despite this, the ID.Polo is equipped with a digital instrument panel and a large display. The switch to a front-wheel-drive system simplifies assembly and reduces weight. Despite its compact size (under 4 meters), the car offers ample legroom for rear passengers and a large trunk—435 liters, which expands to 1,243 liters with the rear seats folded.
Initially, three versions will be available with power outputs of 85 kW (116 hp), 99 kW (135 hp), and 155 kW (211 hp). By the end of the year, a high-performance ID.Polo GTI version with 166 kW (226 hp) is planned. The vehicle offers excellent road stability, smooth steering, and a low weight for an electric car—at just over 1,500 kg.
To achieve the target price, Volkswagen has reduced battery costs. The base version comes with a 37 kWh battery offering a range of up to 300 km, while the larger 52 kWh battery provides a range of 450 km. The maximum home charging power is 11 kW, and DC fast charging can reach up to 130 kW.
For the first time in an ID model, the car features a one-pedal regenerative braking function. If the driver selects the highest of the five levels and lifts their foot off the accelerator, the car decelerates to a complete stop without using the mechanical brakes, generating a significant amount of energy that is recovered.
At the driver's discretion, the digital instrument cluster can mimic the analog gauges from a 1980s Volkswagen Golf, complete with a cassette tape icon, while an MP3 player plays classical music. However, returning to Volkswagen's traditional strengths does not mean abandoning advanced systems; the ID.Polo is packed with cutting-edge technology.
Small cars have always dominated Volkswagen's lineup. After losing touch with its broad customer base during its shift to electric vehicles, Volkswagen is now returning to its roots with a full lineup of compact cars to manufacture vehicles for the people.
