Volkswagen, that German giant that once conquered the world with the Beetle, is now trying to pull off the same trick with batteries instead of petrol engines. Let’s dive into their ID family, a range of electric cars promising to fill the roads with silent, green miles. It’s a tale of ambition, a few stumbles, and a ton of produced vehicles proving the future runs on electricity – or at least tries to without stalling too often.
It all kicked off with the ID.3 in 2020, a compact hatchback that marked Volkswagen’s first serious step into pure electric propulsion. Picture a Golf, but without an exhaust and with a battery that can take you from Amsterdam to Berlin without whining for a fuel stop. Since then, the family has grown like a rabbit colony on steroids: we’ve got the ID.4, an SUV comfortable in the city and on the highway, the sportier ID.5, the ID.7, a spacious sedan for mileage munchers, the ID.7 Tourer for those hauling luggage like they’re moving house, and, of course, the ID. Buzz, a retro van that looks like it’s been zapped straight out of the ‘60s and electrified. And don’t forget the upcoming models, like the ID.2all, which promises affordable electric driving for under 25,000 euros, or the ID. EVERY1, an entry-level model aiming to bring mobility to the masses. There’s even a compact electric SUV on the way and maybe a few more small models to round out the lineup.
Now, the numbers, because that’s what counts in the car world: how many of these things are actually rolling off the assembly lines? Volkswagen hit a milestone: 1.5 million ID models produced. Yup, one and a half million electric VWs are now roaming the planet. Production happens everywhere: in German factories like Zwickau, Dresden, and Emden, but also in the US and China. The 1.5-millionth vehicle was an ID.7 Tourer that rolled off the line in Emden, as if to say, “Look at us grow!” In the first half of 2025, VW sold more electric cars than Tesla in Europe, which is pretty impressive when you consider how Elon Musk steals the spotlight everywhere. In Belgium, the ID.4 is even Volkswagen’s most popular model, outpacing classics like the Golf and T-Roc. Globally, there are ups and downs: in the US, ID.4 sales skyrocketed by 653% in January 2025, but there were also moments of production tweaks when demand wobbled. Still, with updates like better door handles, more efficient drivetrains, and over-the-air software improvements, the ID lineup seems stronger than ever.
Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Early on, people griped about the design – too bland, some said – and the infotainment system, which had more bugs than a forest picnic. The controls felt like an experimental art piece, with touch buttons you’d accidentally trigger while driving. But Volkswagen listened: teething problems were fixed, efficiency got a boost with new motors offering more power and range, and prices have stayed sharp. The 2025 ID.4, for instance, starts around $45,000 in the US for the base model, with options for rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. And with plans to possibly ditch the “ID” name for future models, VW seems ready for the next phase: more variety, from tiny city cars to roomy family vans.
In Germany, VW and BMW lead the EV market, with the ID.7 and ID.4 topping the charts in Q1 2025. Group production figures show they built over 2 million vehicles total in Q2 this year, with a focus on electric growth. It’s a transition costing billions, but the results are there: higher sales, better tech, and a range that caters to everyone. Whether you’re after an efficient commuter or a van for the whole family, the ID lineup has you covered.
In short, Volkswagen’s electric adventure is like a diesel switching to electric: it takes some getting used to, but once it’s rolling, nothing stops it. It proves the old guard can keep up with the times, even with a few amusing detours.
For those now itching to get behind the wheel of an electric Volkswagen or another 100% electric model, head to our marketplace where you can search for and buy electric cars. Check out the offerings here: https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/.
