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VW starts production of affordable electric ID. Polo and Cupra Raval in Spain
🇩🇪 Germany /Economy & Trade

VW starts production of affordable electric ID. Polo and Cupra Raval in Spain

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency New plan
  • Volkswagen has launched production of its first affordable electric compact cars, the ID. Polo and Cupra Raval, at its Spanish subsidiary Seat.
  • The ID. Polo will start at just under 25,000 euros, with the Cupra Raval costing 1,000 euros more, aiming to capture a growing market for smaller EVs.
  • VW aims to make electric mobility accessible, with plans for even cheaper models like the ID. Every1 around 20,000 euros by 2027, though initial deliveries will be for higher-spec versions.

Volkswagen is rolling out its first affordable electric compact cars, the ID. Polo and Cupra Raval, from its Seat factory in Martorell, Spain. The ID. Polo is set to launch at just under 25,000 euros, with the Cupra Raval priced 1,000 euros higher. This move marks a significant step in making electric mobility more accessible.

an industrial awakening for Spain and Europe.

— Oliver BlumeVolkswagen CEO Oliver Blume described the production launch at the Seat factory in Spain.

Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume described the production launch, attended by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, as an "industrial awakening for Spain and Europe." He highlighted the immense potential of cheaper EVs, forecasting that the European market for full-electric compact cars will quadruple by 2030. However, Blume also cautioned about increasing competition in the entry-level segment, urging EU policymakers to create favorable conditions through incentives and competitive labor costs to maintain climate leadership.

Cheaper EVs have enormous potential.

— Oliver BlumeVolkswagen CEO Oliver Blume highlighted the market potential for affordable electric vehicles.

VW brand chief Schäfer emphasized that modern electric mobility should not be a luxury, stating, "It must work, be affordable, and convince in everyday life – that's exactly what this car stands for." The ID. Polo and Cupra Raval are just the beginning, with two more electric models from VW and Skoda planned for production in Pamplona, northern Spain. The company also plans to introduce the even more affordable ID. Every1 for around 20,000 euros in 2027, to be produced in Portugal.

The EU must remain a leader in climate protection – and use this as a success factor for its economic model.

— Oliver BlumeVolkswagen CEO Oliver Blume urged EU policymakers to support the EV market.

While the 25,000 euro starting price for the ID. Polo is attractive, immediate deliveries will be for higher-equipped versions with larger batteries, costing over 30,000 euros. The more affordable entry-level versions with smaller batteries and less power will be available for order from July, with deliveries of the ID. Polo starting in September. The decision to produce these models in Spain is driven by cost advantages, including cheaper solar power for battery production and lower labor expenses, further supported by nearly 400 million euros in state subsidies.

Modern electric mobility must not be a luxury. It must work, be affordable, and convince in everyday life – that's exactly what this car stands for.

— SchäferVW brand chief Schäfer spoke about the goals for the ID. Polo.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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