No More Identification Numbers, VW's Electric Vehicles Will Be Given Actual Names | Carscoops

      Forget the ID.1 and ID.2 labels; Volkswagen's upcoming small electric hatchbacks will feature better names.

      The announcement was made by VW Brand Board Member Martin Sander.

      This change will commence with the production version of the ID.2all in 2026.

      The German automotive industry appears to be experiencing an identity shift. Mercedes has opted to eliminate its EQ branding for EVs, BMW’s “i” series is inconsistent, and Audi’s odd/even naming strategy was merely a suggestion. Now, Volkswagen is taking its turn to re-evaluate its naming conventions.

      To simplify its lineup and enhance accessibility, Volkswagen plans to eliminate the "ID" prefix associated with its electric vehicles. Beginning in 2026, the company aims to replace this alphanumeric designation with more conventional car names. Although details are sparse, this change aims to alleviate the mounting confusion in the market regarding these labels.

      The ID sub-brand was introduced in 2017 with the concept of the ID.3 hatchback, which subsequently became the first production model in 2019. Over time, VW expanded its offerings to include the ID.4, ID.5, and ID.6 SUVs (the latter being exclusive to China), the ID.7 sedan, and the ID. Buzz minivan. Originally, there were plans to further broaden the ID lineup with the ID.1 city car and the ID.2 supermini by 2027, but it appears the strategy is shifting.

      Returning to Familiar Names

      Martin Sander, a Volkswagen Board member overseeing Sales, Marketing, and After Sales, revealed in an interview with Auto und Wirtschaft that the company plans to revert to traditional names for its EVs. “The cars will get proper names again,” he stated. “This will be evident when we introduce new models – neither the ID.2all nor the ID. Every1 concepts will retain these names in production.”

      While Sander did not provide specifics, Volkswagen has previously suggested that established nameplates could enter the EV realm. For example, the forthcoming ID.2, set to debut in 2026, may take on the Polo name, marking the model’s 50th anniversary this year. In contrast, the ID.1, anticipated in 2027, might draw inspiration from former names like Lupo, Fox, or Up!, or even adopt a completely new name.

      New Names, New Beginnings

      Earlier this year, Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen’s Board Member for Technical Development, indicated that starting in 2026, ID models would undergo a significant revamp. This would be an ideal opportunity for Volkswagen to begin introducing new names for its existing EV models.

      Volkswagen is also developing an electric version of the Golf, which is set to launch towards the end of the decade, along with an electric T-Roc SUV. There’s a good likelihood that familiar nameplates like Passat and Tiguan will eventually be utilized for future electric vehicles. However, Volkswagen will face the challenge of differentiating the EV models from their internal combustion engine counterparts, which will still be in production for a few more years.

      Ambitious Sales Goals for EVs

      When discussing Volkswagen’s EV sales, Sander expressed optimism, stating, “We are very satisfied with the demand. We have a substantial order backlog for the ID.3, and we’re already selling more ID.7s in Europe than Passats.” He particularly noted the ID. Buzz, emphasizing its significance for the brand amidst the considerable hype surrounding it in the U.S.

      Sander also underscored Volkswagen’s ambitious sales targets, especially for the upcoming ID.2all, expected to launch in Europe at a starting price of €25,000 ($27,900). “With the production version of the ID.2all, we are entering a completely different price range,” he remarked.

      The ID. Every1, scheduled for 2027, is projected to begin at an even more accessible €20,000 ($22,300). Thanks to decreasing battery costs and cost-reduction strategies, this price point is feasible. “Everything regarding costs is being scrutinized,” Sander emphasized, noting that Volkswagen will utilize new production methods to ensure profitability from the outset.

      Sander stated that the target price for the urban EV produced in Portugal will be achievable due to the falling cost of batteries and comprehensive cost-savings measures: “Everything regarding costs is being scrutinized. We must explore every avenue and will employ new production techniques to ensure profitability. The entire company will benefit from the learnings gained from this vehicle. You cannot build a project like this on hope – we are relying on concrete success metrics and plans.”

      Sander also believes that electric vehicles will surpass internal combustion engines, asserting that VW is “convinced that electromobility will prevail because electric cars are the superior product.”

      What About China?

      Finally, Sander discussed Volkswagen’s position in China, where its EVs, such as the ID.7, are