Volkswagen (VW) has taken the European electric vehicle (EV) market by surprise by announcing a compact electric car priced around €20,000 ($22,300) that is scheduled to be released in 2027, it said This no-budget EV marks a major shift for VW, which has apparently set its sights on making a price point that could significantly expand access to electric mobility
The announcement comes amid a rapidly growing EV scene in Europe. While EVs have improved in recent years, their high price remains a major obstacle. Chinese EV makers have increasingly exploited this gap and captured significant market share with their affordable offerings. The €20,000 VW electric car is a strategic response to this changing market dynamics, aiming to regain dominance by making electric cars more accessible to the European consumer have had a great deal of it
The €20,000 EV isn’t the only weapon in VW’s arsenal. The company is planning a series of forays into the budget EV segment with waves of additional electric vehicles priced around €25,000 ($27,900). This comprehensive range includes compact cars from VW and the Cupra, alongside compact SUVs from Skoda and VW itself. These are expected to hit the market by the end of 2025, offering more options for budget-conscious EV buyers.
Previously, the most expensive EV in VW’s lineup was the ID.3 hatchback, with a starting price of around €40,000 ($45,600) in Europe. The introduction of a €20,000 electric car cut interior costs by almost half. This significant discount could be a game changer, making electric mobility a real possibility for a large segment of the European market
However, VW’s budget EV is no guarantee of success. Many factors will determine his fate. It will be important to strike a balance between affordability and the competitive drive of the supply chain. Additionally, VW will need to ensure that the overall quality and driving experience meets expectations in order to compete effectively with the established Chinese manufacturers.
One thing is for sure: VW’s €20,000 electric car marks a huge step towards making electric cars more affordable for the European market. If VW can deliver on its promise, it could significantly accelerate the rollout of electrification across Europe.
