Volkswagen Group has started production of the Volkswagen ID. Polo and Cupra Raval at its Martorell plant in Spain, marking the launch of the first vehicles in the company’s new Electric Urban Car Family.
The two battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are designed to expand affordable electric mobility in Europe and represent the first of several entry-level electric models planned by the group.
Affordable Electric Mobility
Volkswagen opened order books for the ID. Polo and Cupra Raval in April.
The ID. Polo starts at €24,995 ($29,000), while the Cupra Raval is priced from approximately €26,000 ($30,100).
Led by Seat and Cupra, the Electric Urban Car Family aims to deliver affordable electric vehicles equipped with technology typically found in larger vehicle segments.
“We are stepping up the pace of electrification in Europe,” said Oliver Blume, chief executive officer of Volkswagen Group.
Blume also emphasized the importance of strengthening European manufacturing as competition from Chinese automakers intensifies.
“A clear Made-in-Europe strategy that ensures a level playing field and strengthens Europe’s industrial base” is becoming increasingly important, he said.
Shared Platform Strategy
Both vehicles are built on Volkswagen Group’s MEB+ electric vehicle platform.
The company said the shared architecture allows multiple brands to develop distinct products while reducing development and manufacturing costs.
“The success of Seat & Cupra in leading a cross-brand project for the first time demonstrates the strength of our model: a shared platform that enhances competitiveness in the entry-level segment, delivering €600 million in cost savings,” said Thomas Schäfer, chief executive officer of the Volkswagen brand.
Volkswagen said the platform-sharing approach enables the company to deliver electric mobility at scale while maintaining brand differentiation.
ID. Polo Specifications
Volkswagen describes the ID. Polo as a compact electric hatchback designed to offer the practicality and technology expected from the brand at an accessible price point.
The vehicle will be available with two battery options:
- 37 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery
- 52 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery
The larger battery pack provides a WLTP driving range of up to 454 kilometres.
Cupra Raval Targets Sportier Buyers
The Cupra Raval shares the same MEB+ platform but adopts a more performance-oriented design and character.
The electric hatchback will be offered in three variants and is expected to provide a driving range of approximately 450 kilometres.
Features include CUP Bucket seats manufactured using 3D knitting technology, dynamic light projections and distinctive interior styling elements.
More Electric Urban Models Coming
Volkswagen plans to expand the Electric Urban Car Family further in the coming months.
Among the next additions will be the ID. Cross, an electric version of the T-Cross crossover, which is expected to be unveiled later this year.
The launch of the ID. Polo and Cupra Raval forms part of Volkswagen’s broader strategy to increase its presence in the affordable BEV segment as competition intensifies across the European electric vehicle market.
