In a move that could signal a slowdown in the rush to introduce new smaller electric models, German media outlets are reporting that Volkswagen are to delay the introduction of the ID.2, an electric car that was billed as offering an affordable battery EV option for buyers. 

An ID.2 concept car was unveiled in March 2023, however it is believed the originally scheduled full production date of May 2025 will now be delayed until 2026. The reasoning behind this appears to be less stringent Euro 7 rules on emissions, which will give more flexibility on extended production of smaller combustion engine cars. 

The original Euro 7 proposals would have added significant cost to internal production engine cars, as it would have required substantial investment in emission reduction technology which would have had a relatively short lease of life, as ICE car are phased out. However, the softening of the regulations is expected to allow models such as the VW Polo to stay in production for longer. 

With smaller petrol engine cars able to remain a profitable option, more car makers are now expect to follow this lead.