Volkswagen's New Era: Traditional Names for Electric Vehicles






Volkswagen is set to transition from its current ID naming convention to more traditional names for its electric vehicles. This strategic shift aims to simplify the lineup and make it more consumer-friendly. The change will begin with the production version of the ID.2all in 2026, marking a significant departure from the alphanumeric branding that has characterized Volkswagen's EVs since 2017. Martin Sander, a key figure at Volkswagen, emphasizes the importance of this move, suggesting established nameplates might reappear in the EV lineup.
Additionally, Volkswagen plans to leverage falling battery costs and cost-cutting measures to produce affordable EVs like the ID.2all and ID.Every1. These models are expected to enter new price ranges, starting at €25,000 and €20,000 respectively, appealing to a broader audience. Despite challenges in markets like China, Volkswagen remains confident in the dominance of electric vehicles over internal combustion engines, focusing on long-term strategic growth.
Transitioning to Traditional Naming Conventions
Volkswagen's decision to adopt traditional names for its electric vehicles marks a pivotal moment in its strategy. By phasing out the ID prefix, the company seeks to address market confusion and enhance accessibility. Starting in 2026, this transition will introduce familiar monikers, potentially reviving iconic names such as Polo, Lupo, or even creating entirely new ones. This approach aligns with Volkswagen's vision to create a more relatable product line.
The rationale behind this shift stems from feedback indicating that consumers find the existing alphanumeric designations perplexing. Martin Sander, Volkswagen's Board Member, underscores the significance of this change during an interview, revealing that upcoming models will not carry the ID prefix. Instead, they will embrace conventional nomenclature. For instance, the ID.2 slated for release in 2026 could resurrect the Polo name, celebrating its half-century legacy. Similarly, the ID.1, anticipated in 2027, may draw inspiration from past models like Lupo, Fox, or Up!, or introduce a fresh identity. This renaming initiative aims to bridge the gap between traditional enthusiasts and modern EV adopters, ensuring a seamless integration of heritage and innovation.
Affordable EVs and Market Strategies
Besides rebranding efforts, Volkswagen is committed to producing cost-effective electric vehicles. Through advancements in battery technology and stringent cost management, the automaker targets competitive pricing for its upcoming models. Notably, the ID.2all and ID.Every1 are poised to redefine affordability within the EV segment. With projected starting prices of €25,000 and €20,000, these vehicles aim to attract budget-conscious buyers without compromising quality or performance.
Martin Sander highlights the meticulous financial scrutiny driving these initiatives, asserting that no expense will be spared to ensure profitability from inception. Volkswagen employs innovative production techniques to achieve this balance, leveraging lessons learned from previous projects. Furthermore, the company remains optimistic about the global adoption of electric vehicles, attributing their success to superior product attributes compared to traditional combustion engines. In regions like China, where competition intensifies due to lower-priced alternatives, Volkswagen adopts a patient stance, prioritizing long-term growth over immediate market share gains. By introducing a new generation of market-specific EVs starting in 2026, Volkswagen aims to solidify its leadership position while navigating the complexities of transitioning towards electrification. This comprehensive strategy reflects Volkswagen's dedication to leading the automotive industry into a sustainable future.