VW's subcompact EVs unveiled to be siblings of Skoda and SEAT?

The Volkswagen Group previewed three new subcompact electric vehicles Thursday while announcing a major investment in Spain to support electrification.

One each from the VW Group's Volkswagen, Skoda, and SEAT brands.

In an adjacent statement, VW Group CEO Herbert Diess said that these vehicles will "facilitate access to e-mobility."

The VW Group had previously set a goal of offering EVs in Europe starting at about €20,000 ($21,000).

It has also already teased potential subcompact EV routes with the VW ID.Life and Cupra UrbanRebel concepts presented in 2021. Both concepts are based on entry-level versions of the VW Group's dedicated EV platform MEB, which underpins the compact hatch ID.3 and small crossover ID.4.

The ID.Life and UrbanRebel concepts claimed that the platform would have a range of over 200 miles with a single 230 hp motor on the front axle and a 57 kWh battery in the floor.

Judging from the teaser, the planned production subcompact EV will feature a crossover-like body, similar to the concept; it could be an ID.1, but VW may badge it as an ID.2 for production.

The subcompact EV will be built at a plant in Spain, with first production scheduled for 2025.15]

The VW Group announced Thursday that it will invest a total of 10 billion euros ($10.5 billion) in Spain with other stakeholders to establish a battery plant and a solar power plant. The group announced that the battery plant will be operational from 2026. The battery plant will start operation in 2026 with an annual production capacity of 40 gigawatt-hours. The plant will be located in Valencia and will supply the VW Group's automotive plants in Martorell and Pamplona.