VW's Affordable Electric ID. Polo Faces Launch Delays, Higher Initial Prices

Daily Car

31/12/2025

Volkswagen's highly anticipated electric ID. Polo, initially promised with a starting price of €25,000, is set to arrive in 2026. However, early buyers may face significantly higher costs and a wait for the most affordable versions. The German automaker aims to democratize electric mobility with this model, but supply chain issues for battery components are impacting the rollout of the base model.

Key Takeaways

The electric ID. Polo is slated for a 2026 release.
The advertised €25,000 starting price will not be available at launch.
Initial models will feature larger batteries and higher price tags, potentially around €30,000.
The delay is attributed to the availability of smaller, more affordable battery cells.

Launch Strategy and Pricing Concerns

Volkswagen has positioned the ID. Polo as a significant step towards making electric vehicles accessible to the masses. The advertised entry-level price of €25,000 (approximately $29,400 or £21,800) has been a cornerstone of its marketing. However, according to reports from German media citing dealer sources, the initial configurations available in April 2026 will be more powerful variants.

These early models will be equipped with a larger 52 kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery and boast 208 hp (155 kW / 211 PS). This configuration is expected to push the price point closer to €30,000 (around $35,300 or £26,100), with final costs varying based on optional equipment and regional taxes.

Battery Supply Chain Bottlenecks

The primary reason for the delayed availability of the more affordable versions is the supply of battery cells. The entry-level ID. Polo is designed to utilize a simpler and cheaper 37 kWh battery, which would enable the €25,000 price point. This smaller battery pack, however, will not be ready for the initial launch.

Volkswagen has confirmed that the base version will follow later, citing the delayed availability of these lower-cost cells. While the company officially states the delay will only be a matter of weeks, dealers are less optimistic, with some suggesting it could take six months or even longer for the true budget-friendly model to become available for order.

Impact on Consumer Expectations

This staggered release strategy, where higher-margin versions are launched first, is not uncommon in the automotive industry. It allows manufacturers to manage production, cover initial costs, and cater to early adopters willing to pay a premium. However, the ID. Polo's positioning as a "car for the masses" and a "political and cultural milestone" means that the delayed availability of the affordable version could lead to disappointment among consumers who were anticipating immediate access to a truly budget-friendly EV.

The upcoming ID. Polo GTI version, which will be the first electric VW to bear the GTI badge, is also expected to be part of the initial, higher-priced offerings.

2025-09-26

Audi's 2026 A6: A Pricey Upgrade Packed With Power and Tech

Audi's 2026 A6 arrives in the US with a more powerful V6 engine, advanced tech, and a refined interior, though at a higher price point.