VW flat out to put ID 1 on streets for under £17k

Inbound tech developments will allow new entry-level electric VW to dip below £17,000

- JAMES ATTWOOD

Volkswagen is "full steam ahead" with the development of a sub-£17,000 electric V "ID 1' hatch that will arrive in the next five years as part of a renewed push by car firms to produce affordable electric models.

The new EV will serve as a spiritual successor to the e-Up city car and is set to offer a similar combination of compact packaging and back-to-basics technology.

Using a new bespoke electric platform that will underpin similar models from sibling brands Cupra and Skoda, the ID 1 will sit below the production version of the recently revealed ID 2all concept, which VW is aiming to sell for around £22,500.

Volkswagen Group chief financial officer Arno Antlitz recently said he believes the firm can deliver electric cars at this price point, citing the emergence of cheaper battery materials and production methods.