Branding

Volkswagen, new names for electric models releasing historic badges such as Polo

The Wolfsburg brand will change the naming of its battery-powered models. In future, the ID. range will be combined with some of the best-known names of current models

by Corrado Canali

3 September 2025

2' min read

Key points

Thermal versions will run alongside electric ones
The new strategy will be extended to other historical models1
The aim is to increase acceptance of electrics

2' min read

Volkswagen has announced that it will present the new ID.2 at the IAA in Munich (9-14 September). At market launch, expected during 2026, it will be offered as the Vw ID. 2 Polo. The aim is to bridge the gap between the classic world of today and the electric world of tomorrow. Until now, electric cars of the VW brand were marked ID. followed by a number: from the compact ID.3 to the larger ID.7. Volkswagen will also present the ID.2 in Munich as a high-performance version, still in camouflage, but with new names on both small cars. If the ID.2 will be launched as the VW ID. Polo, the sports version is proposed as the VW ID. Polo GTI.

Thermal versions will complement electric ones

Volkswagen is therefore also transferring the GTI tradition to the electric world. In addition to the new electric variants, existing models with internal combustion engines will continue to be produced. For potential buyers, this will mean that in future each vehicle family will offer both an electric and a conventionally powered variant.

Since many of the current model names are still firmly rooted in people's minds, they say at Volkswagen, the impact of future new names will be a guarantee that electric cars will have the same values in terms of quality, design and affordable technology.

The new strategy will be extended to other historical models1

The Polo is one of the Wolfsburg brand's most successful models. Since 1975, more than 20 million units have been produced, including more than 470,000 units in 2024. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the series, a switch to the electric future is now planned. Volkswagen additionally confirmed that the new strategy will not be limited to one model.

Coming soon is a compact SUV, the ID. Cross, which is expected to enter production in late 2026 as an electric variant of the T-Cross. Other series are expected to follow, such as the ID. Golf and the ID. Passat, which means that the ID. family will no longer only consist of numbers, but also of many traditional names.

The aim is to increase acceptance of electrics

With the new naming strategy, the Wolfsburg brand is focusing on familiarity to increase the credibility of electric mobility. At the same time, the internal combustion engine offer will remain unchanged. Volkswagen is therefore pursuing a two-pronged approach that stands for continuity in model identity and the gradual electrification of the range.

A model like the Polo, they say from the Volkswagen top brass, shows how useful a name synonymous with reliability, personality and history can be. It was a logical choice to match the new ID. models with current ones that evoke emotions and are also rooted in the everyday lives of customers.