Volkswagen’s new entry-level electric hatchback, the ID.2, has been spotted running laps on the Nurburgring in Germany. It comes after the ID2.All concept was revealed by the German automaker in March 2023 and is the clearest sign to date of the model inching closer to full-scale production. Images captured by Carscoops show the test vehicle as what first appears to be an ID.3, but closer inspection reveals the body has been modified with smaller passenger doors to fit the shrunken wheelbase. The charging port has also been grafted to the passenger side front fender. Volkswagen foreshadowed a 2025 release for the ID.2 at the concept's debut last year but reports have suggested the ID.2 could be delayed. Judging by the deep camouflage of this mule, that is a strong possibility.

We know a few details about the ID.2 already, including that it will be built on Volkswagen's new MEB Entry platform as a budget-friendly electric vehicle. The ID.2 will be front-wheel drive, with what Volkswagen has said will be efficient battery and charging technology. The sporty ID. GTI concept promised 166kW with a WLTP driving range of 450km. This platform will be shared with Cupra's Raval and a model from Skoda, not unlike the Group's last affordable project that spawned the Up!.

VW has promised the ID.2 will cost under €25,000 ($41,435) and the carmaker not alone in this cheap electric car dream. The BYD Dolphin is making inroads, while Hyundai has launched the cut-price Inster in Korea, Renault is reviving the Twingo and Ford is investigating a new electric Fiesta. The ID. 2’s release is slated to be shortly followed by a compact crossover. Volkswagen have speculated it will arrive in 2026 and teasers have shown a more rugged looking SUV.

VW's Electric Revolution: The ID.2's Arrival and its Significance

After a somewhat bumpy landing into the electric car sector, Volkswagen is preparing to launch its second wave of products, starting with the ID.2. The all-electric supermini is expected to be one of the brand’s biggest sellers, and Volkswagen bosses are hoping that it will catapult the brand to the top of buyers’ wish lists. 

The ID.2: VW's Electric Polo

As its name suggests, the ID.2 will sit below the ID.3 and will be built on a modified and shortened version of the same MEB platform as its siblings. In terms of exterior size, the ID.2 is effectively an electric Polo, and will be aimed at urban drivers who value parkability above a long driving range. But what can buyers expect? With the aid of our own image renders based on known spec and the ID.2all concept car, here's our complete guide to Volkswagen's electric baby.

The ID.2's Size and Space

One of the key selling points of the ID.2 is its size. Designed with city environments in mind, the ID.2 offers a compact footprint that makes it easier to navigate through tight city streets and squeeze into roadside parking spaces. Yet, despite its smaller size, the ID.2 won’t skimp on interior space. Volkswagen has made clever use of the MEB platform’s design, which allows for a longer wheelbase and short overhangs. This means that the ID.2 will offer more interior room than you might expect from a car of its size. Just as the ID.3 offers as much interior space as the Passat, the ID.2 is expected to be as roomy inside as the current combustion-engined Golf.

Inside the ID.2: Tech-Forward Design and User-Friendly Features

Inside, the ID.2 carries forward the minimalist and tech-forward design language that has become synonymous with the ID. range. The cabin is expected to feature a clean and uncluttered layout, with a focus on digital interfaces. The central infotainment screen will likely dominate the dashboard, providing access to a range of features including navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. Volkswagen’s commitment to user-friendly technology means that the ID.2’s systems should be intuitive and easy to use, even for those new to electric vehicles. New Volkswagen design boss Andreas Mindt has put on record his preference for physical buttons rather than touchscreen controls, so expect the ID.2 to be a little more ‘analogue’ than the ID.3 when it comes to switchgear. 

The ID.2's Range and Charging

One of the traditional challenges with compact electric cars has been battery range, but Volkswagen seems determined to address this with the ID.2. The car will be offered with two battery size options: 38kWh and 56kWh, with the smaller battery pack expected to offer around 200 miles of range and the larger 56kWh pack delivering nearer to 280 miles. Those figures would put it on level pegging with the best offerings in the sector. 

Charging is another area where the ID.2 is expected to perform well. Volkswagen has invested heavily in its charging infrastructure, and the ID.2 will be compatible with fast-charging networks. This means that drivers will be able to add a significant amount of range in a relatively short period, making the ID.2 more convenient for longer trips. The car will likely support DC fast charging, which could see the battery reach 80% charge in around 30 minutes, depending on the charger used.

Powering the ID.2: Front-Wheel Drive and Efficiency

Unlike all other ID models launched to date, the 2 will be the first to be front-wheel drive with a single motor on the front axle. This makes it simpler and cheaper to make. Indeed, such is the drive to reduce costs that Volkswagen will move the charging port to the front wing to save on expensive cabling though the car. We’re yet to hear about motor outputs, for the final production version but the ID.2all concept car (upon which the final car will be heavily based) came with a 223bhp motor which delivered a sub-seven second 0-62mph time. We’d expect the production model to prioritise range and efficiency over performance and power output of around 200 bhp. That said, a GTI version is understood to be in the works and could well appear with the concept’s 223bhp drive system. 

Safety First: Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems

The ID.2 is expected to come equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking. These systems are designed to enhance driver confidence and reduce the likelihood of accidents, particularly in busy urban environments where the ID.2 is likely to spend much of its time.

The ID.2's Price: Affordability at the Forefront

Pricing is a crucial factor for the ID.2, as it is positioned to be a more affordable option in the ID. range. Volkswagen has made it clear that the ID.2’s main task is to bring electric vehicles to a wider audience, and this will be reflected in its pricing. While final prices are yet to be announced, it’s expected that the ID.2 will be priced competitively against its rivals with the small battery, entry level model expected to go on sale for around £22,000. The higher spec, large battery model is likely to start from £26,000. Volkswagen will be keen to steal market share away from cars like the Peugeot e-208 and Vauxhall Corsa-e, along with Chinese rivals such as the BYD Dolphin and is expected to price the ID.2 aggressively. 

The ID.2's Release Date and Future Plans

The ID.2 will be launched in 2025 with UK sales starting later in the year. The brand has already started marketing the car to would-be buyers, so we would expect to see a final production version within the next few months. Expect the range-topping GTI (below) to join the range in early 2026. 

The ID.2: The Electric Future of Volkswagen

The ID.2 represents a significant step for Volkswagen as it aims to become a leader in the electric vehicle market. By offering a more affordable and practical electric car, Volkswagen hopes to attract a wider range of buyers and make electric mobility more accessible to everyone. The ID.2’s launch is a testament to Volkswagen’s commitment to electric vehicles and its belief that the future of mobility is electric.