Volkswagen is reportedly lining up a budget electric vehicle for North American markets, a development echoed by industry watcher InsideEVs. The source points to Reinhard Fischer, a senior executive who heads Volkswagen Group strategy in North America, as a key figure discussing the plan. The gist is clear: a low-cost EV could arrive within the next four years, targeting a price around $35,000 USD. This price point would place the model in a highly competitive segment, appealing to mainstream buyers who want practical, city-friendly electric driving without a premium sticker shock. The discussion underscores a strategic push to broaden VW’s footprint in the growing EV arena, aligning product positioning with broader affordability goals. InsideEVs, Reinhard Fischer
Conversations around the model suggest it may ride on the MEB Entry platform, the same architecture behind the ID.3 hatchback. Leveraging this scalable platform would allow Volkswagen to optimize production efficiency, maximize common components, and keep costs in check while delivering a practical, family-friendly EV. If those plans come to fruition, the vehicle could benefit from the same modular approach that has powered recent VW electric models, helping the brand rapidly extend its electric lineup across different markets in North America. InsideEVs, platform insights
On the manufacturing front, Volkswagen is considering production options within the United States or Mexico. Establishing a local assembly footprint could help tame logistics costs and import duties while supporting job creation in the region. The company also intends to produce traction batteries at one of its North American facilities, a move that would contribute to secure supply chains, shorten lead times, and improve aftersales support for dealers and customers across the region. Industry sources
In related electric-vehicle news, industry chatter has highlighted BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5 crossover, which is said to feature a hybrid powertrain combining a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 195 horsepower and dual electric motors—one on each axle. Official disclosures describe a substantial driving range that could reach around 1,200 kilometers under certain conditions, illustrating the ongoing competition and rapid evolution in electrified powertrains. These developments help set expectations for where mainstream EVs are headed in the near term. Industry updates
Meanwhile, online images of a new Subaru Forester have circulated, contributing to a broader sense that major brands are actively refreshing their lineups with electrified or hybrid options. This context helps frame VW’s upcoming entry as part of a wider industry shift toward accessibility, everyday usability, and practical performance in electrified vehicles. Visual previews