Volkswagen has announced a revision of its electric vehicle naming policy. The German carmaker has decided to bring back well-known names such as Polo, Polo GTI, and Cross to its ID electric lineup. The first electric versions of these models will hit the market starting in 2026.
The company’s management notes that this move will make it easier for customers to choose their cars. From now on, new generations of electric vehicles will receive names that have long been associated with the brand. At the same time, cars with traditional engines will retain their current designations.
Volkswagen emphasizes that these recognizable model names are firmly established in the minds of drivers. They stand for reliability, a familiar design, and modern technologies accessible to a broad audience. According to company representatives, bringing back classic names will help unite the user experience across vehicles with different engine types.
The first electric vehicle under the new strategy will be the ID. Polo. Its debut is timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the original Polo. The company believes that combining the Polo name with the ID. branding will highlight the blend of tradition and innovation, while maintaining associations with quality and safety.
The next step will be the release of the electric version of the Polo GTI, which is also scheduled for 2026. Both models are expected to make their public debut at the IAA Mobility exhibition in Munich, which will take place from September 8 to 14. A day earlier, on September 7, Volkswagen plans to unveil the prototype of its new compact electric SUV—the ID. Cross Concept. The production version of this vehicle, known as ID. Cross, will go on sale by the end of 2026 and will serve as the electric counterpart to the popular T-Cross.
With this approach, Volkswagen is betting on brand recognition and continuity, combining the past and future in its new electric vehicles. The company expects that bringing back familiar names will help strengthen its market position and attract both loyal and new customers.
