Volkswagen ID. EVERY1 Previews $21,000 Small EV We Won't Get

It's adorable, affordable—and (probably) ain't coming here.

Right as the American government is making moves that—at least for the short-term— will make cars more expensive for consumers, Volkswagen is showing off a model previewing an affordable new electric model. The ID. EVERY1 is the brand's smallest EV, and it gives us our clearest look yet at the upcoming 2027 model, which VW says will ring in at just €20,000 (around $21,500 USD at current exchange rates).

It's a friendly-looking thing, right? Volkswagen is touting the EVERY1 as the second model following a new design language, after the ID. 2all. (Side note: some at VW really wants to exercise those Shift keys.) It's a pared-back look all right, with minimal detailing for a clean shape. The designers have intentionally given the front-end "pupil-like" LED headlights. It's a similar story out back with the taillights, and the shaping in the rear bumper resembles a big grin to complete the look. Big 19-inch alloy wheels fill the flared wheel arches, which in turn emphasize the EVERY1's comparative width (71.5 inches / 1,816 millimeters) for something so small. A dip in the center of the roof offers a sporty touch, but VW hasn't ditched everything traditional: the C-pillar still carries that distinctive shutline found on the Golf.

The ID. EVERY1 rides on the new front-drive modular electric drive (MEB) platform. In terms of measurements it sits somewhere between the Euro-market up!—recently discontinued—and the Polo, at 152.8 inches (3,880 mm) long and 58.7 inches (1,490 mm) tall. This platform unlocks interior space to rival the larger Polo, and the cabin design mirrors the exterior's simple, inviting nature. Most of the materials are made of recycled products and while there's a minimum of controls, there are still physical buttons for things like climate controls. Look at that funky two-spoke steering wheel!

Volkswagen is touting the versatility of the space. Not only can the rear seats fold down, expanding the 10.8-cubic-foot (305-liter) cargo hold, so can the front passenger seat. A slidable center console can send items from front to back, and a rail system in the dashboard allows the passenger to add shelving. There's also a tiny removable Bluetooth speaker.

Now the bad news: don't expect the ID. EVERY1 to end up on these shores when it heads into production for 2027. Right there in the press release, Volkswagen says the car is "from Europe for Europe."Canada and (especially) America have never truly warmed up to cars so small, and despite that affordable price tag, it would face an uphill battle with an expected range of 155 miles (255 kilometers). The EVERY1 will be a part of a new product offensive from VW, which plans nine new models by 2027, including four electric models based on this MEB platform.

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