Volkswagen unveiled two new electric vehicle concepts at the E-Salon 2025 in Prague,signaling a continued commitment to EV development despite a shifting automotive landscape. The ID.Cross and ID.Every1 concepts, previewed by Volkswagen’s Head of Design Andreas Mindt, are reportedly 80% representative of production models slated for release as early as next year. The company is prioritizing more accessible EV options as it expands its electric lineup, with price points targeted as low as €20,000 for the ID.Every1.
Volkswagen is pushing forward with its next generation of electric vehicles, previewing two new concepts at the E-Salon 2025 mobility show in Prague. The move comes as the automotive industry recalibrates its EV ambitions, with many automakers scaling back overly optimistic projections.
The concepts, unveiled by Volkswagen’s Head of Design Andreas Mindt, are said to be 80% representative of production models slated for release in the near future. This signals a commitment to electrification despite broader market headwinds, and a focus on delivering more accessible EV options.
Mindt, who took the helm of Volkswagen’s personal vehicle design in February 2023, previously led design at Bentley and contributed to the design of the first-generation Tiguan and Golf 7. His current focus is on shaping the brand’s second generation of electric vehicles, prioritizing new urban models with front-wheel drive technology.
The first concept revealed was the Volkswagen ID.Cross, previously showcased at the IAA Mobility show in Munich. This vehicle represents Volkswagen’s vision for a compact electric SUV, positioned as an electric alternative to the current T-Cross model. Production is expected to begin next year.
Foto: Lukáš Kukla / Garáž.cz
Volkswagen ID.Cross at the e-Salon.
The ID.Cross will share a technical foundation with the upcoming ID.Polo, a new urban hatchback also slated for release next year. Both vehicles will be built on Volkswagen’s new MEB Plus platform, featuring front-wheel drive. The two models will also share a wheelbase.
Volkswagen believes the ID.Cross has the potential to be a key driver of EV sales, potentially exceeding those of the ID.Polo. This is despite the ID.Cross being slightly more expensive, with the ID.Polo targeting a starting price of €25,000 (approximately $27,000 USD). The T-Cross is expected to start around €27,000 (roughly $29,000 USD). These pricing goals reflect Volkswagen’s renewed focus on offering “people’s cars,” a nod to the literal translation of its name.
The second concept presented in Prague, the Volkswagen ID.Every1, takes this affordability push even further, with the company aiming for a price point of around €20,000 (approximately $21,500 USD).
Foto: Lukáš Kukla / Garáž.cz
The design may have been influenced by the need for a low price, but it’s more appealing than the current ID. family.
Mindt explained that the pursuit of a lower price point directly influenced the vehicle’s design. “The goal was to reduce the cost of the car, to have as few components as possible, and the design had to adapt to that,” he said.
The result is a clean, streamlined design without unnecessary elements. Mindt noted the absence of any decorative trim or embellishments on the body, which helps to lower the car’s cost while also creating a timeless aesthetic.
A challenging aspect for the designers was the expectation of a diverse customer base. “It could be your first or last car,” Mindt stated, referring to potential owners ranging from new drivers to seniors. Appealing to such a broad demographic requires careful consideration.
Both target groups are sure to appreciate the efficient use of space. The ID.Every1 concept, measuring 3,880 mm in length, offers seating for four and 305 liters of cargo space. It is also based on the newly developed MEB Plus platform with front-wheel drive, and is powered by a 70 kW electric motor.
Volkswagen is committed to expanding its EV lineup in the next two years, particularly in the more affordable segment. The ID.Cross and ID.Every1 presented at E-Salon 2025 are not the only confirmed new models. The company has already announced the ID.Polo for 2026, and Mindt hinted at a larger sibling to the ID.Cross in 2026, potentially the speculated ID.Tiguan compact SUV.
