Volkswagen’s new entry-level EV may not be so cheap after all

The ID. Polo is arriving in 2026 as the first of a new family of entry-level Volkswagen EVs. It was initially expected to start at 25,000 euros ($30,000), but that may no longer be the case. At least, not right away.

Volkswagen delays entry-level ID. Polo EV

Volkswagen is preparing to launch a new generation of smaller, more affordable EVs, starting with the ID. Polo in 2026.

“With an entry-level price starting at 25,000 euros, we are making electric mobility accessible to many people in Europe,” Volkswagen brand boss Thomas Schäfer said earlier this month.

And the German automaker may still make electric mobility more affordable, but it likely won’t be as soon as expected. The Polo-sized electric car was set to launch in Europe next Spring, starting at 25,000 euros ($30,000), but local reports suggest it will be a bit more expensive when it hits the market.

German newspaper Handelsblatt reported that the cheapest ID. Polo model likely won’t be available at launch. According to dealers, VW will only offer more expensive trims, likely costing over 30,000 euros ($35,000).

The reason? Volkswagen is delaying the base ID. Polo due to the lack of available lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.

The ID. Polo was scheduled to launch with three power outputs: 85 kW (114 hp), 99 kW (133 hp), and 155 kW (208 hp), with a higher-performance GTI joining in late 2026 with 166 kW (223 hp).

Only the 155 kW (208 hp) version will reportedly be available at launch. Volkswagen was expected to begin deliveries next Summer, but it could be another few months before we see the cheaper version. According to internal estimates, one dealer said, the base ID. Polo could be delayed by another 6 to 9 months.

The entry-level model is equipped with a 37 kW LFP battery, while the 155 kW version uses a 52 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery, delivering a WLTP range of 450 km (280 miles).

At 4,053 mm long, 1,816 mm wide, and 1,530 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm, the ID. Polo is about the size of its predecessor. However, thanks to its compact drive modules, the EV offers an extra 19 mm of interior length.

Early reviews suggest the electric Polo may be the best Volkswagen EV yet, like Autocar’s James Attwood, who said, “the ID. Polo should be a strong all-rounder among the pack of small EVs suddenly battling for attention.”

Without the affordable base model, how strong will it be in a market that’s suddenly becoming flooded with cheaper Chinese and Korean electric cars?