Volkswagen entry-level EV: Will it come to India? – Car News

Volkswagen is working on affordable entry-level EVs for India, but is this the one coming to our shores? Let’s find out.

During a recent internal conference in Wolfsburg, Germany, Volkswagen gave a sneak peek of its new entry-level electric vehicle (EV). This electric SUV will sit below the upcoming ID.2 all electric hatchback which is deemed as a battery-powered equivalent of the VW Polo. Likely to be called ID.One or ID.1, the upcoming subcompact electric crossover will be based on Volkswagen’s modular electric drive (MEB) platform.

A pre-production prototype of the same will be showcased by the German carmaker next month whereas the final production will break cover in 2027. The crossover will be one of the nine new battery-powered models to make their debut in the next couple of years. As of now, Volkswagen hasn’t confirmed where this particular model will be produced.

However, it is expected to roll out from the same facility in Spain where the ID.2 hatchback and upcoming Skoda Elroq will be manufactured. Volkswagen says that the upcoming EV will be an all-electric successor to the now-discontinued Up hatchback. Hence, there are some obvious visual references to the latter seen in the latest teaser image.

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Volkswagen ID.2 All concept (Image: Volkswagen)

The image showcases a sophisticated design, highlighted by distinctive LED lighting elements that define the front fascia. The headlamp setup features a unique rectangular lighting signature, flanked by bracket-shaped LED accents on both sides. Enhancing its overall appeal, the bumper features vertically stacked LED DRLs, adding a dynamic touch. The other visual highlight is the illuminated VW logo at the centre.

Volkswagen entry-level EV: India launch on cards?

Besides Europe, Volkswagen hasn’t confirmed which other markets this upcoming electric crossover will head to. The German carmaker had previously indicated that Volkswagen isn’t keen on localising the MEB architecture for the Indian market. Instead, VW is working on an India-specific platform which is being called India Main Platform (IMP). 

A derivative of the China-spec CMP (China Main Platform), this platform will be utilised for Volkswagen and Skoda compact and mid-size EV models for India. However, with the recent lawsuit and penalty slapped on the Volkswagen Group, there are dark clouds looming over the company’s existence in the country. A potential payback of US $2.8 to the Indian tax authorities could severely impact the company’s future plans and investments for India.

For the uninitiated, in November 2024, the Volkswagen Group was slapped with a notice for evading a tax worth humongous $1.4 billion (approx. Rs 11,847 crore) by the Government of India for “wilfully” paying lesser import tax on components for the cars brought to India under the Audi, VW and Skoda brands. The company has been asked to pay the tax along with 100 percent pineal which amounts to nearly Rs 24,000 crore. Recently, Volkswagen retorted to the Government of India by suing authorities to quash an “impossibly enormous” tax demand.

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