What is the release date of the Volkswagen ID 2?

Volkswagen ID-2

Volkswagen have long been at the forefront of electric motoring, and the Volkswagen ID 2 looks set to further establish that reputation.

In 2021, the ill-fated ID.Life was launched at the Munich Motor Show, with the aims of making this model an affordable EV sitting below the ID.3. However, the challenges of manufacturing an economical electric vehicle proved too vast, with VW COO Thomas Schäfer abandoning the concept within the first few days as chief brand manager.

Enter the Volkswagen ID 2, with a release date of 2025. It’s being positioned as a competitor to other affordable electric vehicles like the Peugeot e-208 and the Vauxhall Corsa Electric. Despite the two year wait for the ID 2, Volkswagen have confirmed certain technical and design aspects for the vehicle. Read on to find out more…

What can we expect from the Volkswagen ID 2?

Efficiency and affordability are the key pillars for the ID 2, which is designed as ‘an homage to the Beetle, Golf and Polo’. The car is set to have a range of up to 280 miles, all for the affordable price tag of £22,000.

Much like the VW ID.3, the ID 2 is built on the principle of the company’s ‘Modular Electric Drive Matrix’ (MEB), a project designed to deliver smaller, economical electric vehicles by shifting the vehicular layout, design and power.

Price

Where the ID.Life concept first promised an EV priced below €22,000 (or £17,500), this price has since crept up somewhat for the new VW ID 2 to €25,000 (£22,000).

That said, the car still looks to be one of the cheapest electric cars on the market, undercutting rivals like the Renault Zoe E-Tech and Fiat 500 Electric.

Design

At 4,050mm long, 1812mm wide, and 1530mm high, the ID 2 is slightly smaller than the enduringly popular Polo – but the two could very easily be mistaken in looks. No doubt this is a deliberate design choice, given that the ID 2 will be pitched to mainstream motorists (it’s notably less futuristic in its design than the canned ID.Life).

The car’s small size doesn’t sacrifice practicality. In fact, Volkswagen themselves emphasise that the ID 2 will be as spacious as a Golf but as affordable as a Polo. The boot can carry up to 1330 litres of luggage when the rear seats are dropped down, or 440 litres with them in use. The front passenger seat also folds down to provide a 2.20 metre load area.

The interior design is clean. A 10.9-inch digital instrument panel combines with a 12.9-inch infotainment system. Unlike the ID.3, however, there are a number of manual buttons and switches in place, including for volume control and the climate control system. The touch sliders on the steering wheel have also been replaced by rotating thumbwheels and four buttons for maximum control. The ID.3 has been repeatedly criticised for its overly responsive touch-sensitive setup, so the return of physical control systems is very welcome.

The gear selector has also moved from the ID.3’s dash-integrated rocker switch to a stalk mounted on the steering column. There’s also a manual dial controller between the two front seats that allows the driver to switch between drive modes.

Performance

Efficiency is the central focus for the Volkswagen ID 2. However, it’s still nippy enough, with 223bhp and an acceleration of up to 62mph in less than 7.0 seconds. 280 miles is the advertised range, with a DC rapid charger topping the vehicle up from 10 to 80% battery in just 20 minutes. The battery pack will come in two sizes of 38kWh and 56kWh, with these figures most likely reflecting the larger pack’s performance and power capacity.

Finance your next electric vehicle with My Car Credit

Electric vehicles are a growing market and a vital part of the UK government’s Net Zero Strategy. If you’re looking to make the shift to an electric car, it might be time to use a car loan approval calculator. Alternatively, if you simply have questions around car finance, you can get in contact with one of our friendly team members by emailing enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
  • You may have missed payments on current agreements
  • You may have had a CCJ in the past

Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • Your credit cards are over their limits
  • You have recent CCJs
  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
  • You may be in a debt management plan
£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

Why Drivers Are Making the Switch to an Electric Car

Open charge point after making the switch to an electric car

In October 2021, the Office for National Statistics reported that over half of younger drivers are looking to switch to an electric car within the next decade. That’s a serious swathe of motorists jumping ship from petrol and diesel vehicles.

But why are drivers making the switch to an electric car, and what benefits could it bring you to follow suit?

The benefits of switching to an electric car

Better for the environment

EVs are playing a major role in the transition to net zero. EVs are all-round better for the environment than their petrol or diesel counterparts – even factoring in the amount of energy required for both their initial production and ongoing running.

For a start, they don’t produce any carbon dioxide, so reduce air pollution. In fact, one electric car can save around 1.5 million grams of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.

Plus, because EVs don’t use diesel fuel, they don’t produce nitrogen oxides, which are harmful particulates that have been linked to poor health indicators, including respiratory illnesses and heart disease.

Minimal noise pollution

As well as reducing air pollution, EVs help with noise pollution, as they’re significantly quieter than petrol or diesel vehicles.

This makes a difference to traffic-dense urban areas, but the relative quietness of EVs also makes them more enjoyable to drive, too. The most you’ll hear from an EV is the slight whirring of its electric motor – you’ll no longer be competing with the rumbles and revs of an engine.

Getting ahead of the petrol ban

From 2030, the sale of new vehicles powered by either petrol or diesel will be banned. You’ll still be able to buy second-hand petrol or diesel vehicles, and there’s wiggle room for hybrid cars too, but otherwise new non-EVS are being phased out in the UK.

Increasing numbers of drivers are making the switch to an electric car in order to get a jump on the petrol ban before it becomes law.

Range

Concerns about the short range of EVs have often put potential buyers off. However, as EVs have begun to take hold of the market, the industry has made leaps and bounds in terms of improving their range.

If you’re considering making the switch to an electric car, it would be worth evaluating your driving habits and needs. If you’re not regularly making long, cumbersome motorway journeys, then your weekly car travel is likely more than within the range of an EV.

Improved charging

As more individuals opt to make the switch to an electric car, both private and public changing infrastructure is rapidly improving. From domestic wall boxes to public charging spots, the options are both getting better and appearing with greater frequency. In fact, some supermarkets offer free charging hubs, and businesses are moving in similar ways to offer employees the chance to charge EVs as they work.

Motorists who opt for Teslas can also benefit from the company’s Supercharger network, which is one of the best charging networks for EVs around.

The UK Government’s Rapid Charging Fund is designed to meet the ever-increasing consumer demand for EV charge points. By 2035, the plan is for around 6,000 high powered charge points to be readily available across the country’s motorways and major A roads.

Low running costs

Admittedly, the initial purchase of an EV can be expensive. However, once you’ve made the switch to an electric car, there are far lower running costs involved.

There’s inevitably variation between the make and model of vehicle, as well as between electricity providers, but a full charge of an EV only costs a few pounds, which is significantly less than it costs to fill a tank with fuel. Given the fluctuation in fuel prices, this is one of the key benefits to EVs at the present time.

There are also various incentives for switching to an EV, from benefitting from a plug-in grant through to tax exemption for company cars.

Plus, EVs are both cheaper and easier to maintain compared to gas-powered vehicles, as they have fewer parts and generally suffer less wear and tear.

Find out how we can help you switch to an electric car

If you’re ready to make the switch to an EV, our helpful team can get you a no-obligation electric car loan quote in minutes. We’re easy to reach on 01246 458 810, or you can email us at enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
  • You may have missed payments on current agreements
  • You may have had a CCJ in the past

Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • Your credit cards are over their limits
  • You have recent CCJs
  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
  • You may be in a debt management plan
£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

2030 Petrol Ban – Should You Make the Switch Early?

Man filling up with petrol before the 2030 petrol ban

From Tesla to Toyota, electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are becoming increasingly popular as consumers endeavour to make more climate-conscious choices.

In fact, the sales of EVs and PHEVs tripled in October 2020, compared to their sales in October 2019. They account for one in seven new cars sold – a fact that has been acknowledged and perhaps encouraged by the increasing availability of charging points across the country.

But from 2030, the petrol and diesel ban will be in place – with hybrids joining the restrictions from 2035. If you own a petrol, diesel or hybrid car, it may be time to consider whether you want to make the switch to an electric vehicle early, in order to save you the time and hassle closer to the deadline. Below, we take you through the benefits of making this decision sooner rather than later, as well as outlining what the 2030 petrol ban really is.

What is the 2030 petrol and diesel ban?

From 2030, new cars and vans powered exclusively by either petrol or diesel won’t be sold in the UK. Some PHEVS – notably the Toyota Prius – will continue to be sold until 2035, when they will also be banned. This is contingent on these cars being able to achieve a ‘significant distance’ of travel in zero-emission mode. At present, the Government hasn’t yet clarified what that term exactly means.

The only new cars and vans for sale after 2035 will be exclusively electric vehicles, such as the Nissan Leaf or Tesla Model 3, and hydrogen-powered vehicles like the Toyota Mirai.

However, the 2030 petrol ban only applies to the sale of brand-new vehicles. Nearly new or used vehicles – that is, second-hand ones – won’t be affected by the ban, and can continue to be sold in showrooms or online. Hybrid cars which can travel ‘significant’ distances in zero emission mode will also still be allowed to be sold on the used marketplace.

What are the benefits of switching early?

There are a number of reasons that it might be advantageous to start thinking about your vehicle before the ban comes in – particularly if you’re in possession of a petrol or diesel car.

Benefit from tax incentives

In order to help the move to EVs, the government is setting aside £582 million in grants to facilitate the transfer to EVs and PHEVs. At present, the government subsidises £3,000 from the purchase of EVs. The government is likely to extend the period during which this is offered, but the transport secretary has acknowledged that it will ‘go eventually’. By making the switch early, you’re more likely to see some of this funding, which can then help you fund a new vehicle.

Get a higher resale value for petrol or diesel cars

As 2030 approaches, manufacturers are likely to offer significant discounts on new models, as they attempt to shift them before the ban comes into place. Consequently, the resale values of traditional combustion engine vehicles are expected to be hit. Getting in early and reselling your car will therefore be more financially forward-thinking. You’ll also avoid any potential tax increases for petrol and diesel vehicles further down the line.

Avoid disruption

When the 2030 petrol ban comes in, there will inevitably be some disruption as drivers get their heads around the way that EVs and certified PHEVs work. For example, drivers will have to get used to charging their cars using either public networks or domestic plug-ins. Travel times will possibly have to be amended – particularly for long distance journeys – in order to accommodate charging, too. By making the switch early, you’ll be more comfortable with how EVS work, and where your local charging point is.

Preparing for the 2030 petrol ban

If you’re looking to make the switch to an electric vehicle, My Car Credit is on hand to help. With our car finance checker, you can check your eligibility without affecting your credit score, before comparing deals from our wide panel of lenders for all circumstances. To find out more, call our friendly team on 01246 458 810.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
  • You may have missed payments on current agreements
  • You may have had a CCJ in the past

Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • Your credit cards are over their limits
  • You have recent CCJs
  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
  • You may be in a debt management plan
£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!