 Thomas Schäfer, CEO Volkswagen Brand, and the new ID. 2 concept. Credit: Volkswagen AG  The race to build the best affordable EV is heating up and with the unveiling of the ID.2 Concept vehicle, Volkswagen is positioned to absolutely dominate... in Europe. When it comes to market in 2025 VW says that it will sell for under 25,000 euros. VW says the ID.2 is "spacious like a Golf, affordable like a Polo," and if it holds to that price point, it should be their best selling EV ever. Styling According to reports, the concept design for the ID.2 was developed in just eight weeks after Volkswagen appointed a new design boss who was not fond of the original "ID Life" concept from 2021. With the ID.2, VW's design team aimed to create a car that has a more traditional appearance, one that is closer in style to the brand's gasoline-powered cars compared to other ID models. And that is a good thing. VW aims to make the ID.2 appealing to a broad audience. While the design of the car is not particularly remarkable, it is also unlikely to put off potential buyers. According to Andreas Mindt, Head of Design at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, “The ID. 2all gives a preview of the new design language of Volkswagen, which is based on the three pillars stability, likeability and excitement.” The ID.2 features a newly interpreted C-pillar design, which pays homage to the first Golf and is a key element of the car's new design language. Several design features that set it apart include a welcoming front end that features a full-width LED light bar, bulging wheel arches filled with 20-inch wheels on 225/40 R20 tires, giving the car an imposing appearance. 
 Drivetrain, Range, Performance, Charging Built on the same modular electric drive (MEB) platform as the ID.3, ID.4, and others, the ID.2 is distinct in that it will be the first to be offered with front-wheel drive. Kai Grünitz, Member of the Brand Board of Management responsible for Technical Development said the company is "exploiting the great flexibility offered by our modular electric drive (MEB) platform and will set new standards in terms of technology and everyday usability with the MEB Entry platform.” Volkswagen says that the ID.2 will offer a range of up to 450 kilometers (279 miles) from its battery pack, although the exact capacity has not been disclosed yet. This is higher than any variant of the ID.3. The power output of the vehicle is also higher than that of the ID.3, with VW stating that it will provide 166 kW (226 horsepower), representing an increase of approximately 10%. Although the exact charging speed has not been specified, VW that the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 20 minutes. This puts it in the same league as some of the fastest-charging electric vehicles currently available, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and newer Tesla models. Interior Design Last year, Volkswagen announced that it would be incorporating physical buttons back into their ID vehicles due to customer complaints about the touch controls. The upcoming ID.2 will fully embrace this trend, featuring actual buttons on the steering wheel and additional physical controls on the center console for various functions, including climate control. The company claims that the ID.2 will provide the same interior room for passengers as the Golf, all within the same footprint as the Polo. Although it won't be as spacious as the ID.3, the ID.2 is expected to use its space more efficiently. Despite being Polo-sized, the ID.2 will offer a cargo volume of 490 liters, which can be expanded to 1,330 liters by folding down the rear seats.  If VW achieves the specifications they've shared about the ID.2 Concept, it will be a massive success for the brand. Unfortunately, there has been no talk yet about bringing it to North America, something that is a disappointment for many who have been looking for an affordable EV that isn't a Chevy or Nissan.
What do you think of the concept? Leave a comment below!
In a tweet Friday afternoon, paired by a press release from the South Carolina Governor's office, Volkswagen Group announced plans to invest $2 Billion to construct a new factory that is assigned to build all-electric trucks and SUVs under the recently revived Scout brand. The factory site will be in Blythewood, SC and will be home to 4,000 jobs when fully operational.
Governor McMaster praised Scout Motors for choosing South Carolina as their production site and emphasized the positive impact the company's investment will have on the state's economy. The Governor also noted the potential for future growth and development in the electric vehicle industry.
“Scout Motors will provide thousands of South Carolinians with previously unimagined opportunities and prosperity for generations to come,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “The Palmetto State, with its rich history, superior people, and sterling automotive manufacturing reputation, is the perfect place to re-start this iconic American brand.” Scout Motors CEO, John Smith, expressed his excitement about the new production site and the opportunity to create jobs in South Carolina. He also highlighted the state's business-friendly environment and strong workforce as factors that contributed to their decision. “We’re honored to partner with South Carolina to usher in this new era for Scout,” said President and CEO of Scout Motors Scott Keogh. “Scout has been an American icon since introducing an SUV in 1960. It's the vehicle that took your family on a camping trip, that gave access to the great outdoors, and that showed up on the job site every morning. Today, we’re reimagining Scout’s original ingenuity and electrifying its future. We’re bringing the Scout spirit to South Carolina and it's going to be a hell of a ride.” The new facility is expected to be operational by 2026 and will produce a range of electric vehicles, including pickup trucks and SUVs. |
