TL;DR
VW’s ID.EVERY1 promises an affordable EV revolution, but history is rife with similar hype cycles that ended in disappointment. Will this be another case of overpromising and underdelivering?
Story
VW’s ‘ID.EVERY1’: A Bargain EV or a Roadmap to Disappointment?
Volkswagen’s announcement of the ID.EVERY1, a supposedly affordable electric vehicle (EV) set to launch in 2025, has generated considerable buzz. Priced at 21,000 euros, it promises to challenge low-cost Chinese competitors and even Tesla. However, a closer look reveals potential pitfalls reminiscent of past automotive hype cycles.
Rivian’s Software: A Double-Edged Sword?
The ID.EVERY1 leverages Rivian’s electrical architecture. While this might sound promising, it’s a gamble. Rivian, though innovative, is still a relatively young company. Its technology, while potentially cutting-edge, is largely untested on a mass-market scale. Will it live up to the hype or become another cautionary tale like the overpromised features of early Tesla models?
The Price Promise: Too Good to Be True?
The 21,000 euro price point is a major selling point. But history teaches us to be wary of initial price promises in the automotive industry. Consider the Cybertruck, which faced significant delays and price increases. The ID.EVERY1’s projected launch is two years away, leaving ample room for unforeseen cost escalations. Will the final price tag align with the initial promise, or will it balloon like so many ambitious projects before it?
Market Competition: A Looming Threat?
Volkswagen aims to compete with affordable Chinese EVs. However, the Chinese market is dynamic and rapidly evolving. By 2025, new competitors and superior technologies may emerge, rendering the ID.EVERY1 obsolete before it even hits the roads. Remember the initial excitement surrounding fuel-cell vehicles? They ultimately lost out to battery EVs due to superior practicality and infrastructure. Could a similar fate await the ID.EVERY1?
Lessons from the Past: Caveat Emptor
The automotive industry is littered with stories of overhyped products and broken promises. From the delays and feature cuts of early Tesla models to the outright vaporware of Nikola’s hydrogen trucks, the path to innovation is paved with good intentions and failed execution. The ID.EVERY1’s success hinges on Volkswagen delivering on its ambitious promises. But as always, buyer beware.
‣ Vaporware: A product, typically software, that is announced but never actually released, often due to technical challenges or changing market conditions.
‣ Fuel-cell vehicles: Vehicles that use hydrogen to generate electricity, offering a longer range than battery EVs but facing infrastructure limitations.
Advice
Don’t pre-order or invest based on hype. Wait for independent reviews and real-world performance data before jumping on the bandwagon.