VW’s EV naming strategy signals a blend of heritage and modern tech
Volkswagen’s electric-vehicle push has shifted from purely numeric designations to a naming approach that taps into the company’s most successful, long-standing models. Since the 2020 launch of the ID family—beginning with ID3 and followed by ID4 and ID7—VW has used letters and numbers to emphasize a future-focused, electrically powered lineup. But the carmaker now hints that the next wave of EVs could carry the historical names that have shaped the brand for decades.
In a recent press briefing, VW indicated that names from its established best-sellers will migrate into the ID family as new generations arrive. The move aims to leverage strong brand associations and consumer memory, ensuring the electric future remains tightly linked to classic models in the minds of buyers.
The first step: ID 2All becomes ID Polo
The compact concept car previously known as ID 2All is slated to launch next year as the ID Polo. VW’s chief executive, Thomas Schäfer, explained that the model-naming strategy is anchored in the public’s familiarity with these names, and that moving them into the EV era is “just the beginning.” The idea is to translate the appeal of a beloved, accessible hatchback into an electric format without sacrificing recognizability.
Looking ahead, the brand is signaling that more familiar names—such as ID Golf or ID Tiguan—could appear as new generations of these popular models arrive as part of the electric lineup. The broader tactic is to align the ID family with the models that have historically driven VW’s volume, offering a sense of continuity in a rapidly changing market.
Why this approach makes sense for VW
Brand resonance matters in the EV era, where consumer trust and recognition can shorten the learning curve for new technology. Reusing iconic names helps VW communicate a straightforward message: these cars are powered by modern electric tech, but they remain easy to identify with a trusted VW lineage. It also allows potential price positioning strategies—VW aims to place a future ID Polo around the 25,000-euro mark, aligning with rivals like Renault’s classic hatchbacks and Citroën’s compact electric models.
Analysts note that this strategy could help VW expand its addressable market in Europe and beyond by offering entry-level EVs that feel familiar rather than alien to traditional VW buyers. With the ID 2All turning into the ID Polo, customers may find an approachable entry point into EV ownership that promises both practicality and the brand’s hallmark engineering quality.
What happened at IAA Munich: previews and concepts
At the IAA Mobility show in Munich, VW showcased a camouflaged version of the ID Polo, along with a high-performance variant dubbed ID Polo GTI. The company also presented the ID Cross Concept, apreview of a model that will become ID Cross—an electric counterpart to the brand’s T-Cross compact SUV. These displays underscore VW’s intent to marry familiar naming with electric performance in a way that appeals to traditional buyers and new EV shoppers alike.
VW confirms that the Polo launch will center on affordability and practicality, building a bridge from the classic Polo’s legacy to a modern EV that competes with compact rivals such as Renault 5 and Citroën E-C3. If VW hits its price target around 25,000 euros, the ID Polo could become a major catalyst for mass-market EV adoption.
Implications for the broader ID lineup and the auto market
The move toward using historic names signals a broader repositioning of VW’s electric strategy. It suggests that the company wants to preserve the emotional appeal of its best-selling models while pushing into electrification with a clear, customer-friendly vocabulary. For buyers, this could mean fewer hurdles when considering a switch to an EV—recognizable model names, familiar design cues, and the reassurance of VW reliability, all translated into electric powertrains.
As the ID family grows, industry observers will watch how VW balances performance, range, and price across a portfolio that leans on heritage. The success of ID Polo and its siblings will depend on delivering compelling value, robust charging infrastructure compatibility, and consistent build quality that lives up to the nostalgia these names evoke.
Conclusion: a new chapter rooted in familiar names
Volkswagen’s decision to transplant established model names into its electrified future is more than a branding exercise. It’s a calculated bet that a strong, familiar identity can accelerate acceptance of electric vehicles by grounding them in VW’s storied past. If the ID Polo and its future siblings deliver on affordability and reliability, VW could redefine how consumers perceive entry-level EVs—and shape the trajectory of the entire ID lineup for years to come.
