Volkswagen is preparing to launch a family of compact electric cars starting in 2026, showcasing early design previews at the IAA Mobility show while withholding most technical specifications until official world premieres next year.
The German carmaker confirmed that four models — the Cupra Raval, ID. Polo, ID. Cross and Skoda Epiq — will debut sequentially, beginning with the Raval in March 2026, followed by the ID. Polo in May and the two other models in the summer. Initial details suggest outputs of 166 kW for the Raval VZ and ID. Polo GTI, and 155 kW for the ID. Cross, though Volkswagen has not yet disclosed full battery specifications.
Industry reports point to the models being built on the updated MEB+ platform with front-wheel drive, using a newly developed APP290 permanent magnet synchronous motor (PSM). According to the information, the motor is expected to deliver around 290 Nm of torque and will be paired with Volkswagen’s in-house silicon carbide (SiC) inverter technology. SiC chips are seen as more efficient than traditional silicon, reducing waste heat and allowing lighter cooling systems, though typically used in higher-priced vehicles.
Battery options are expected to include a 38 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack for entry-level versions and a larger 56 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) pack for extended range, estimated at up to 450 km for the hatchback and 420–425 km for the SUV. Charging performance for both variants is expected to deliver a 10–80% charge in about 25 minutes.
Volkswagen is also introducing a redesigned battery structure based on a cell-to-pack (CtP) layout using its new standard cell. For the compact models, cells will be arranged in three stacks, while larger vehicles will use four. A new cooling design places the cooling plate above the cells to allow hot gases from pressure relief valves to vent safely below the car in case of thermal runaway.
The compact EV family represents a strategic push to bring advanced technologies such as SiC inverters and CtP battery packs into the €25,000 price segment, with Volkswagen targeting both efficiency and affordability as it scales electric mobility in Europe.
Source: Insideevs
