Volkswagen will radically update electric cars in 2026: what to expect?

Volkswagen is gearing up for a major refresh of its ID electric car range, which will launch in 2026. The key changes will involve the MEB platform, which is the basis for the brand's current electric cars.

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The development is being led by Kai Grünitz, VW's head of R&D. He confirmed to Autocar in Los Angeles that the changes will cover looks, battery performance and cost reductions, as well as new functionality. He said the design will "go back to its roots" and become closer to what Volkswagen symbolises in the minds of consumers.

The key model of the new era will be the production version of the ID 2all concept, a compact hatchback that will debut in late 2025 or early 2026. This car will be a kind of "relaunch" of the brand, said Grunitz. The novelty will get a design inspired by the legendary Golf models of the past years.

Volkswagen will also present the ID 2 crossover at the Munich Motor Show in September 2025. Grunitz confirmed that a sporty version of the ID 2 GTI is also being developed. Transferring the DNA of the iconic GTIs to electric cars is a challenge, he said, but the result will "pleasantly surprise".

In parallel, VW continues to work on the SSP (Scalable Systems Platform), which will become a universal basis for the entire model range, from compacts to sports cars. The partnership with Rivian plays an important role in this - VW plans to use the experience of the American company in the field of software for electric cars.

As for the internal combustion engine models, the new Euro 7 eco-standards are forcing Volkswagen to reduce the range, but the Polo will remain in the line-up and receive a major upgrade in 2025.

Source: Autocar