A glimpse at what will be VW’s cheapest EV

A glimpse at what will be VW’s cheapest EV

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For a moment, let’s face the reality regarding electric cars in Mzansi. They are expensive, and the government seems to be dragging its feet in terms of new energy policies and incentives. Currently, SA slaps a hefty import tax on EVs while offering zero rebates or incentives to make them affordable. The result?

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Hefty price tags that push EVs further out of reach for the average consumer. Look at the GWM ORA, for example; it’s considered the most affordable electric car on the local market with a starting price of R686,950. Can we really call that a bargain for a car that costs over half a million? No.

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And then there’s Volkswagen. The brand promises to make EVs accessible in SA with competitive pricing, but as it stands, there’s not much to show for it. The ID.4 is the only VW EV in the local pipeline, and even then, it won’t be available for purchase in SA until 2026.

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Speaking of competitive pricing, we’ve caught a glimpse of the design of the brand’s entry-level electric model, which will carry a price tag of about €20,000, which is the equivalent of R380,000 at the current exchange rate, excluding import taxes and all that. According to Thomas Schafer, CEO of VW Passenger Cars, the EV will be attractive to a wide variety of user groups. 

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Unfortunately, details about the car remain scarce, including its official name. However, we wouldn’t be surprised if VW goes with the ID.1 badge, especially considering the brand recently trademarked ‘ID.EVERY1’ with the European Union's Intellectual Property Office.

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VW plans to unveil the car to the public at the beginning of March, with the production model slated for 2027. But there’s a possible snag: the press release clearly states that the car is “from Europe for Europe.” So, it remains to be seen if it will be offered locally.

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But let’s say it does; what then? The reality is that once local import taxes and duties are imposed, the price will be high, making it even less attainable for locals, and this is where the real problem lies. Without government intervention, whether through tax breaks, incentives, or other forms of support, the transition to electric mobility will remain a privilege for the wealthy and not a practical choice for the average consumer. As it stands, South Africa is being left behind while the rest of the world moves forward.

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