Volkswagen Confirms the Electric ID.Polo Comes in Stages, Starting with the Top Variant

Volkswagen ID.Polo.(Photo: Volkswagen)

JAKARTA - Volkswagen plans to launch the all-electric ID.Polo next year, and everything is on schedule. However, what will come first is the higher version, as confirmed by the manufacturer's dealers.

Citing Carscoops, Wednesday, December 31, initially there was only a more powerful version of the ID.Polo 208 hp and equipped with a 52 kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery.

The version is expected to be priced well above the announced price of 25,000 euros or a range of Rp493 million. In fact, it is estimated that the price will reach 30,000 euros (Rp589 million) or more, depending on equipment and regional taxes.

The reason is the battery supply. The affordable base version with 114 hp power and the mid-range variant with 133 hp power uses a simpler and cheaper 37 kWh battery, which offers a shorter range, but keeps the price reasonable.

Unfortunately, the battery will not be ready at launch, referring to a report from Germany's Handelsblatt. In response, Volkswagen has confirmed that the entry-level version will follow later, citing delays in the availability of low-cost fuel cells, not due to a sudden change in pricing.

Officially, Volkswagen says the delay will only last a few weeks. However, dealers are less optimistic. Some estimate it may take six months or even longer before the actual frugal version is available to order

"The longest we've heard is that it could take up to six or even nine months until a smaller battery is actually available," said one of the sources familiar with the matter.

Indeed, this move is not an unusual strategy. Car manufacturers often launch higher-margin versions first to cover costs, manage supply, and simply take advantage of fans who are eager to be the first in their neighborhood to have a certain new model and are willing to pay a premium for the privilege.

Nevertheless, when an affordable version is not immediately available, disappointment is inevitable, even though the strategy makes sense from a business perspective.