Volkswagen announces ID. Up. electric supermini

Volkswagen has announced that its upcoming affordable electric supermini will be named the ID. Up. This decision leverages the brand recognition of the former Up! model, which ended production in 2023.

Technically, the ID. Up. is expected to showcase a collaboration between Volkswagen and Rivian, a partnership potentially valued at 5.5 billion euros. This cooperation aims to simplify vehicle electronic architecture by reducing the number of control units and wiring. The vehicle will utilize the MEB+ platform with front-wheel drive and features a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a capacity under 40 kWh, targeting a range between 300 and 400 km.

In a related development regarding the brand's electric strategy, the new ID. Polo represents a shift back to Volkswagen's traditional design and practical DNA. Moving away from the highly experimental approach of early ID models, the ID. Polo focuses on comfort, visibility, and ease of use in urban environments. While the ID. Polo is an electric model, it does not replace the internal combustion Polo, which is expected to continue production until at least 2030.